I have a confession: I’ve only voted a couple of times in my entire adult life. I’m not sure what my problem was those first two election cycles. Maybe I was too busy “studying” at the library with that cute senior business major. Maybe I was too wrapped up in arriving to work on time for that sales meeting. Or maybe I didn’t think my vote counted or even, mattered, as a young adult not wise to the political world.
By the time the next election cycle came around something changed in me. It had nothing to do with my new obsession with the Fox News Channel, but rather the realization that it was my duty as a young Christian woman to vote and take a stand for the values clearly stated in the Bible. I had a new mission as I stepped into the voting booth and checked the box of those politicians who –while not perfect– would stand for those very values. My voice would be heard.
Many Christians don’t want to step in the middle of politics and get themselves dirty with the mud slinging and endless stump speeches, and I perfectly understand that. But, how can we be a light to the dark world around us if we ignore one of the most important aspects of our culture – that of politics? {See Matthew 5:14-16}
Below is by no means a comprehensive list of political issues, but I believe they are among the most important that Christians should take note of as they vote. I encourage you to take a look, assess the stance of the politicians, and think about how your voice can be heard and your light can shine as you step into the voting booth on November 6th. This is not about Republic vs. Democrat, but it’s about decisions made that are based on the solid Word of God, which knows no political party.
~Standing up for unborn children
God loves every bit of his creation. Psalm 139:13-14 says that He knew us before we were even born. In His eyes, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
~ Standing up for the Biblical view of marriage: one man and one woman
Chapter 2 of Genesis tells of the beautiful creation of marriage as God united man and woman in Eden.
~ Standing up for the poor
Matthew 25:37-40 says that when we meet the needs of the poor, feed the hungry and care for the down trodden, we are actually doing those things for Jesus!
~A Government that allows people to use their money as they choose rather than over taxing and therefore placing a burden on us all. There is a place for Government and taxes, yet when it over burdens the people, success in our economy is greatly hampered.
Rather than looking at Government ordering the rich (anyone with money!) to give their “fair share” to help the overall economy and the poor, what would happen if we had more money in our pockets to give to charitable organizations which are more effective in their mission? The CHURCH must step up to help the poor. You and I must step up to give our time and money to the poor WITH OUT the Government directing our actions.
My list could go on and on and on. These are my opinions based on Biblical values.
No matter how frustrated you might be with the economy, the lack of jobs available or the fact that you don’t feel accurately represented in Washington, it is still our duty as Christians to get out and vote.
No one politician will change the world. NO PRESIDENT will be our Messiah. As Christians our trust is in the ONE true Messiah-Jesus! But, if every Christian got up off the couch and let their light shine on November 6th, what an awesome illumination would occur amidst this dark time in America.
Now, go. GO ROCK THE VOTE!
*****Tomorrow, if you go out and VOTE! (Or if you have already voted in early voting) leave a comment for a chance to win my book Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties In A Decade Of Drama.
Biblical Truth to think about:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
FRC Action (link: http://www.frcaction.org/) A values voter guide based on the truths of the Bible.
Check out this VERY INTERESTING video sermon from Dr. David Jeremiah about the importance of this election. http://www.frcaction.org/votertools
Leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway!
Sarah… love your heart and your faith…. Amen and Amen….. I pray it is in God’s hands… man has not done so well without Him…….
Just wanted to share this with you:
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
I find this both scary and comforting.
May God bless you dear and thanks so much for all your positive encouragement and for being a God’s girl!
:)
Thank you Roben-Marie!
I voted :) and am i still aloud to post even though i am 30 now:)
Yes silly girl! I would totally miss you if you stopped reading my blog! Plus, my next project is for young adult women in general…my heart is for this young generation…20s and 30somethings!
Don’t worry, Meg….I’m in my 30s.
Thank you! I agree! The economy seems to be the biggest issue and the economy is important, but our social/Biblical values shouldn’t be put on hold while trying to restore it. Elect the man who prays/includes God in his decisions and everything else will fall into place, I say. This post brings to mind a quote from Ronald Reagan, “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
I’ll be rockin’ my Biblical values vote tomorrow, have already put out signs at my precinct, told family/friends who to vote for (I’m the “go to” girl, apparently), and will be handing out voter guides at my precinct again (even if it rains!)! Now, to keep praying, praying, praying! :)
Psalm 33:12
2 Chronicles 7:14
Yay for early voting – first time I’ve been able to do that, and the first time I’ve actually voted in person after years of absentee voting (gotta love college and grad school out of state, haha).
And you can vote based on biblical values and vote democrat…
I don’t know if that is even possible. From what I have seen from Democrats and especially lately, I would totally not agree. I don’t know how a person can be a believer and vote Democrat. Assuming you are against abortion, same sex marriage, freedom and having the church step in and not government healthcare – which all are commands from God. How is that voting biblical values? It doesn’t match up……
I definitely don’t want to get into an argument and respect everyone’s unique opinion. But since I feel a little judged, I feel like I must respond. For me, abortion is one issue that of course I don’t agree with, but I don’t see its legality changing since most industrialized countries in the world have legalized it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abortion_Laws.svg). It is very sad how many are performed in the US every year, I definitely agree on that. However, I vote based on other issues that I think have a better chance of actually changing. And for me, while this can be heavily debated, I support the democratic views on taxation, strong middle class, health care, climate change, and research funding. I have several republicans and democrats in my bible study, and we all manage to get along, love Jesus, and vote based on our unique opinions. I myself am a moderate, so in an ideal world, there would be a candidate more in between the two, but alas, in the current political landscape that kind of candidate doesn’t have much of a chance of getting very far.
In this election I’ve seen very hateful comments from both sides and its been a sad thing to witness in my friends. I’m glad a lot of that will be over soon.
Have a blessed day – Karen
Hi Sarah! Thank you for this post! It is so important that we as Christians vote to support those that uphold our Biblical standards. When I first got the privilege to vote, I was more concerned with voting along party lines, unfortunately. But as I’ve gotten older and grown in Christ (with lots of help from you and blogs like yours) I’ve realized that my identity as a Christian is more important than whether I’m Democrat or Republican. So, I proudly did my research about those candidates that upheld my Biblical values and voted with more peace and confidence than I have in previous years.
I also know though, Who is in control regardless of who gets voted into office. That might have something to do with that peace and confidence :)
Thanks for your Godly wisdom and heart for girls like me!
Heck yeah girl! Hugs!
Sarah, I have just recently come to know of you & read your blogs & I must say that I’ve enjoyed it. I am in my late 20’s & I’m in youth ministry so it’s very nice to hear someone’s heart that is similar to yours. I appreciate any wisdom I can glean! Keep blogging away!
As for this blog, I am so happy to see my generation grabbing hold of the burden to pray for our nation & take a stand, where possible, for what God has said is His way. Another ‘issue’ I believe is so very important right now is America standing with Israel. These days are crucial for the Jewish people, as well as the future of our country.
Thanks, girl!
Jackie! Yes!!! Great point about Israel. I should have included that one. So glad you shared this!
Sarah ~thanks for writing this. I have always been very passionate about what I believe and standing up for what is right since I was a little girl. But this year it took on a new meaning when I had to really own what “I” believed and not my parents or anyone else. And it took great sacrifice to follow His path, which included giving up my most precious gift: my boyfriend of over a year.
We broke up in April, I did the dirty work and walked away from our very serious and committed relationship( we were looking at rings the month b4 and planned to get engaged) due to my gut feeling of something ‘wasn’t right’. It had to do with politics and our worldview, and I am a person who would say that your belief system is very huge and is who you are as person. I would have had to change to stay with Chris or really square with his beliefs. I couldn’t do either, and be honest to my core.
It has been the most challenging year, and I got the hurtful surprising news 3 weeks ago that Chris is already engaged. I just can’t believe he moved on SO fast, when we cared for each other so much. But I have no right on his life or his decisions, but I do pray it is what God wants for him and his future family. I have been working through much anger and bitterness at the whole thing, as I am still healing and processing the whole thing, much less still healing from the break up.
When I care, I care deeply, but then I hurt deeply. I am so disappointed in our country right now. I feel like it’s all a waste, my sacrifice of giving up Chris. It makes no sense. I am just clinging to God right now, as I am taking this election very personally since I have a lot of invested energy in it and made great sacrifices for what I believe.
I pray each of you will not ever have to make a choice like I did. I basically chose God, and don’t regret it, but it has been the hardest decision I have ever lived through. I sometime just want to give up, stop trying. But I know God is calling me to stay faithful and I just pray that I can and will, while He makes sense of this all. My prayer from the beginning of all this, is that God would write a story of healing and restoration on my heart, for me to share of God’s love and faithfulness to others. I hope that day is coming!
Thanks for being a safe place for me to share my heart. I have a real heart for women, so may each of you be blessed and know His love deeply this day. Your sistah in CO, living life for Him fully, Miranda
Miranda! Girlfriend! I so very much admire you. I hate that you had to go through heart ache, but I also know that God will bless you for obedience to His word and your Biblical worldview. Keep clinging to Jesus, as you said you are doing. The heartache stinks right now, I know. Also, don’t feel like your political choices yesterday were wasted. You took a stand for what you believe is in God’s word. When you stand face to face with your King, Jesus, He will say, “well, done.” God is bigger than the outcome of an election. It was our duty as Christians to make a stand. But it is even more important that we trust HIM and His plan. Hugs!
I met with a friend today… she said you were either totally against abortion or a racist if you voted for Romney.. I ask where she thought I feel… I do not believe in RAPE nor having to carry a child of a RAPIST, but also do not believe you KILL a child because you were loose in your decisions… and I brought a black teenage boy into our home for three years when he was put on the street… so where do I fall… she just sat there…because my views are different does that give on a right to call me a name other than HIS child???
I voted. No politian to going to be perfect but I want voice to be heard. I even vote for the small election in my town….one thing for sure…pray—-vote—-pray.