4 Keys To Being A Politically Active Christian

“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.”

Alexander Hamilton

One month from yesterday is Election Day here in the United States.  Around the country, citizens will be casting their ballots for the next leaders in their communities.

Today, political signs and flags are posted throughout our communities. The “debates” have started, and “news” coverage for the campaigns is growing. Candidates and their support teams are making their final appeals for votes. A lot will happen in the next 30 days.

I’ve always had an interest in politics.  We are so blessed to live in a country where we can take part in the selection process for our local, state, and national leaders.  Voting is a right, a privilege and a responsibility (Four Important Responsibilities of Voters).

Free speech is also one of the rights that we have in this country.  Free speech gives us permission to defend our position on an issue or on a candidate.  I’m thankful for this right.  But I sometimes wonder if this right has gotten our country into trouble.

With the creation and rise of social media, everyone has a say.  People’s thoughts and opinions are out there for everyone to read.  Once it’s on Facebook or Twitter or once it’s published on a blog, it’s a permanent record for all to read.  And it seems like everyone has something to say.

Maybe I’m forgetful of past election cycles, but it seems to be that more and more people are posting personal character attacks on Facebook and other social media outlets.  Photo-shopped photos of candidates with disrespectful comments dominate my Facebook news feed. Comments often taken out of context are used to slander and debase the character of individuals.  To be honest with you, it’s wearing me out.

Sure, it’s okay to disagree with policies, budgets, and agendas of our leaders.  But it needs to be done with respect.  The other day, I was reading the Bible and a passage from Ecclesiastes stuck out to me:

“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.“

Ecclesiastes 10:20 (NIV)

Today, it just doesn’t seem like people care about reviling or respecting our leaders. So how should we as Christians respond responsibly and respectfully?

4 Keys To Being A Politically Active Christian

1. Pray for our leaders. Whether or not you agree with (or like or dislike) a particular political leader, we should pray for our leaders.  Paul directs this in his first letter to the Timothy:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

I Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

2. Don’t participate in the disrespect. Don’t add fuel to the social media fire by being disrespectful in your posts, comments, or conversations.  In our country where free speech is our right, dialogue intelligently and respectfully with each other.
3. Vote.  This is your right, responsibility and duty. Let your voice be heard through your vote.
4. Win, lose, or draw, live your life in a Christ-like manner. Whether “your” candidate wins or not, you have the opportunity to make a difference by how you choose to live your life. If you feel strongly about an issue like helping the poor, get involved by helping the poor. We don’t need our candidate in office in order for us to make a difference. We can make the most of each and every opportunity, and we can do so with respect. And we can still choose to love those who lead us and who debate with us – even if they disagree with us. (John 15:17)

What other suggestions do you have for Christians to participate responsibly and respectfully in the political process? Are you being respectful or are you adding to the clutter?

(Note:  Parts of my article originally appeared at Wisdom Of A Fool.)

How to Respond to the 2016 Election Results

The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

Today is a brand new day.  I just woke up after a short nights sleep to see that Donald Trump is the next President of the United States.  I have some friends and family who are extremely happy about this outcome, and I have some friends and family who are saddened, unhappy, and even scared by this outcome.

From all the polls, the latest news, and the buzz on social media, half of the people in our country will be unhappy with the results.  And half of the people will be happy or at least in agreement with the outcome of last nights election.

I’m not so sure that God arranged the outcome of yesterday’s election.  After all, God gave us minds and free will to make our own decisions.  But I do think that God has given us a new day today.  This is the day the Lord has made.  Let’s rejoice and be glad in it!

You may or may not be excited about the policies and ideas of our next president and the leadership in our country.  But you have a choice to make today.  How will you treat today?  Will you rejoice in the day that God has made?  Or will you pout, stamp your feet, and cross your arms in dismay?

How to Respond to the 2016 Election Results

1. Realize the blessings and freedoms that we experience in this country.  We have the right to vote.  We have so many rights and privileges that are not granted in other countries.  We are definitely blessed!
2. Realize that you have the power to make a difference.  Just like Esther demonstrated the power to impact an entire people group through her actions, we have the ability to leave our mark – even if we sometimes feel as though we’re acting alone.
3. Respond with honor.  Represent God and your faith with integrity in how you react to this election.  Our leaders deserve our respect – even if we don’t agree with them.  Stomping our feet may make us feel better initially, but it will eventually leave our feet sore and will fail to be productive.
4. Commit to make a difference.  You still have the ability to impact your neighborhood, your state, your country, and the world for God’s kingdom.  That did not change yesterday.
5. Pray for our leaders.  Whether it is the president of the United States or the mayor of your town, leaders have big decisions to make.  They face stresses that few of us could ever imagine.  They need our prayer.
6. Reach across the lines of division and be a unifier instead of a divider.  This was one of the nastiest elections in my memory, and I’m sure our media and social media didn’t help the situation.  Regardless, of where you fell on this election, it’s time we all learn to reach across the lines of division.  It’s time we learn to listen to the voices of those who are different that us – in our opinions, in our beliefs, in our skin color, and in our socioeconomic status.  “Making our country great again” depends so much more on you and me than it does on our next President.
7. Put on a smile.  Sitting on your hands and frowning is not productive.  Period.  Decide today to have a good attitude.

I’m speaking to myself as I write these words and ideas.  I want to be known as a positive, respectful, and thankful person.  You and I have a choice to make.  How will you proceed from here?

What do you see in your world today?  How will you choose to rejoice today?

How To Respond To The Election Results

Over the past week, I have been inserting some of the top posts from the Stretched blog.  The post today (How To Respond To The Elections Results) originally appeared on the blog on November 7, 2012 and was the most popular post of the year (and of all-time).  This post was written before the election and posted the day after the election.  It was the closest I’ve come to having a post go viral which made for an exciting day and week on the blog in early November.  As the politicians and lawmakers reconvene in Washington to tackle the budget and the impending “fiscal cliff”, it’s interesting to review these thoughts.

The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

Today is a brand new day.  I am away on business, and I have pre-scheduled this post.  I have absolutely no idea what the election results are.  Perhaps, the verdict isn’t even decided.  The polls on Monday night seemed to indicate that Barack Obama might be ahead ever so slightly, but it also appeared that the race may be too close to call.

From all the polls, the latest news, and the buzz on social media, half of the people in our country will be unhappy with the results.  And half of the people will be happy or at least in agreement with the outcome of last nights election.

I’m not so sure that God arranged the outcome of yesterday’s election.  After all, God gave us minds and free will to make our own decisions.  But I do think that God has given us a new day today.  This is the day the Lord has made.  Let’s rejoice and be glad in it!

You may or may not be excited about the policies and ideas of our president and the leadership in our country.  But you have a choice to make today.  How will you treat today?  Will you rejoice in the day that God has made?  Or will you pout, stamp your feet, and cross your arms in dismay?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Realize the blessings and freedoms that we experience in this country.  We have the right to vote.  We have so many rights and privileges that are not granted in other countries.  We are definitely blessed!
2. Realize that you have the power to make a difference.  Just like Esther demonstrated the power to impact an entire people group through her actions, we have the ability to leave our mark – even if we sometimes feel as though we’re acting alone.
3. Respond with honor.  Represent God and your faith with integrity in how you react to this election.  Our leaders deserve our respect – even if we don’t agree with them.  Stomping our feet may make us feel better initially, but it will eventually leave our feet sore and will fail to be productive.
4. Commit to make a difference.  You still have the ability to impact your neighborhood, your state, your country, and the world for God’s kingdom.  That did not change yesterday.
5. Pray for our leaders.  Whether it is the president of the United States or the mayor of your town, leaders have big decisions to make.  They face stresses that few of us could ever imagine.  They need our prayer.
6. Put on a smile.  Sitting on your hands and frowning is not productive.  Period.  Decide today to have a good attitude.

I’m speaking to myself as I write these words and ideas.  I want to be known as a positive, respectful, and thankful person.  You and I have a choice to make.  How will you proceed from here?

What do you see in your world today?  How will you choose to rejoice today?

How To Respond To The Election Results

The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

Today is a brand new day.  I am away on business, and I have pre-scheduled this post.  I have absolutely no idea what the election results are.  Perhaps, the verdict isn’t even decided.  The polls on Monday night seemed to indicate that Barack Obama might be ahead ever so slightly, but it also appeared that the race may be too close to call.

From all the polls, the latest news, and the buzz on social media, half of the people in our country will be unhappy with the results.  And half of the people will be happy or at least in agreement with the outcome of last nights election.

I’m not so sure that God arranged the outcome of yesterday’s election.  After all, God gave us minds and free will to make our own decisions.  But I do think that God has given us a new day today.  This is the day the Lord has made.  Let’s rejoice and be glad in it!

You may or may not be excited about the policies and ideas of our president and the leadership in our country.  But you have a choice to make today.  How will you treat today?  Will you rejoice in the day that God has made?  Or will you pout, stamp your feet, and cross your arms in dismay?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Realize the blessings and freedoms that we experience in this country.  We have the right to vote.  We have so many rights and privileges that are not granted in other countries.  We are definitely blessed!
2. Realize that you have the power to make a difference.  Just like Esther demonstrated the power to impact an entire people group through her actions, we have the ability to leave our mark – even if we sometimes feel as though we’re acting alone.
3. Respond with honor.  Represent God and your faith with integrity in how you react to this election.  Our leaders deserve our respect – even if we don’t agree with them.  Stomping our feet may make us feel better initially, but it will eventually leave our feet sore and will fail to be productive.
4. Commit to make a difference.  You still have the ability to impact your neighborhood, your state, your country, and the world for God’s kingdom.  That did not change yesterday.
5. Pray for our leaders.  Whether it is the president of the United States or the mayor of your town, leaders have big decisions to make.  They face stresses that few of us could ever imagine.  They need our prayer.
6. Put on a smile.  Sitting on your hands and frowning is not productive.  Period.  Decide today to have a good attitude.

I’m speaking to myself as I write these words and ideas.  I want to be known as a positive, respectful, and thankful person.  You and I have a choice to make.  How will you proceed from here?

What do you see in your world today?  How will you choose to rejoice today?

Election Day – How Will You Respond Today and Tomorrow?

 

Today is Election Day.  I already voted.  It’s the first time I’ve used the absentee ballot method to cast my vote.  I won’t tell you who I voted for, and I’d rather not know who  received your vote.  In fact, I try to keep The Stretched Blog out of the political scene.

So why am I writing about politics then?  Good question.  I still think we have a responsibility to be involved and to be respectful.  A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a guest post for TC Avey’s blog, Wisdom of a Fool.  I wanted to share the introduction to the post with the hope that you’ll head over there to read my thoughts on how to be a politically active Christian.

I’ve always had an interest in politics.  We are so blessed to live in a country where we can take part in the selection process for our local, state, and national leaders.  Voting is a right, a privilege and a responsibility.

Free speech is also one of the rights that we have in this country.  Free speech gives us permission to defend our position on an issue or on a candidate.  I’m thankful for this right.  But I sometimes wonder if this right has gotten our country into trouble.

With the creation and rise of social media, everyone has a say.  People’s thoughts and opinions are out there for everyone to read.  Once it’s on Facebook or Twitter or once it’s published on a blog, it’s a permanent record for all to read.  And it seems like everyone has something to say.

Maybe I’m forgetful of past election cycles, but it seems to be that more and more people are posting personal character attacks on Facebook and other social media outlets.  Photo-shopped photos of candidates with disrespectful comments dominate my Facebook news feed.  To be honest with you, it’s wearing me out.  I wasn’t comfortable when friends and family attacked former president George W. Bush, and I’m not comfortable with the attacks on current president Barack Obama.

Head over to Wisdom of a Fool to read the rest of the post.  Then come back and answer this question:

What other suggestions do you have for Christians to participate responsibly and respectfully in the political process?  Are you being respectful or are you adding to the clutter?  How will you respond TODAY and TOMORROW?