(azquotes.com/quote/56292)
Churchill would have us understand: truth is not determined by what we believe to be true.
Consider: I can strongly believe that a coin tossed in a fountain will cause my wish to come true, or that a kind, friendly salesperson has my best interest at heart, or a sad, desperate plea for financial help is legitimate.
But such beliefs can result in misplaced trust and even trouble. As we all know, there is no factual basis for believing in superstitions, or trusting every winsome person or assuming every heart-breaking story is true.
No, beliefs worth holding must be based on fact and reality.
On November 3, what we believe to be true will guide us to make critical choices— choices that will greatly impact the future of America.
Each of us needs to honestly assess: Are my beliefs about each candidate based on verifiable fact and not just hearsay?
We must also consider the essential matters facing our nation: bringing the country back to the pre-Covid prosperity of 2016-2019 (once the vaccination becomes available), ending the domestic terrorism in our cities, providing better alternatives for healthcare coverage, and lowering the national debt—to name a few.
Valid information about each of these concerns is paramount. We must be alert to broad statements that include no facts, promises that include no plan, and accusations that include no proof.
But gathering accurate evidence has become more difficult in recent years. Some media outlets cannot be trusted to present facts. Their long-term dissemination of misinformation has been exposed in recent months and most have offered no apology.
Perhaps the answers to the following questions will lead to the wisest choices:
- What kind of leader does our country/state/county need for this position?
- What does each party’s platform uphold? How do their beliefs and plans coincide with what scripture teaches?
- What are the most pressing concerns? Which candidate addresses those concerns with realism, clarity, and insightful solutions?
- Which party aligns with the truths I consider most important?
- Which candidate has a proven, verifiable track record for addressing local, state, or national needs?
If you’re not sure how to answer those questions, may I recommend you ask for advice from people you highly respect, people who are knowledgeable about current events and have demonstrated wisdom in the life-choices they’ve made. Who are they voting for and why? What sources of news and information do they trust and why?
In addition:
- Be responsible, cooperative, and supportive citizens, as the Apostle Paul laid out in Romans 13:1-7.
- Be realistic about the outcome of this election. Our pastor pointed out in 2016 during that election season: much as it may disappoint us, we don’t have to live in a Christian nation in order to thrive as Christians. Throughout the centuries, the church has actually strengthened and grown under persecution.
- Be prayerful–not only for which candidates to choose in the various races but for the welfare of our nation after the election.
Again, Paul offers wise advice:
“I urge then, first of all,
that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone—
for kings and all those in authority
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.
This is good and pleases God our Savior
who wants all men to be saved
and to come to knowledge of the truth.”
–1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pickpic.com.
(This post is a revision of the post for October 27, 2016.)
From the Inside Out 