Duck Season. Rabbit Season…Voting Season..FIRE!

The time rapidly approaching. You know what time I’m talking about. I’m talking about voting. Politics. Christians. Do the two mix? Let’s explore this. I’ll first state, I will post no opinions on current candidates, so, if you’re getting your hopes, I’m sorry to dash your dreams.

Recently, I submitted my application for absentee ballot, as I am an out-of-state student. I will be voting. I am still wrestling with this idea. There is so much mud slinging on all sides, there’s also tons of apathy, and there’s tons of distortion of the facts and stances. As Christians go, do we need to vote?

Let me make some distinctions first, before we try to tackle that issue. First, are you a United States citizen? If the answer to that question is yes, then let us proceed. Are you at least 18 years old? Yes? Then absolutely yes, you should vote. “But wait, I’m a Christian.” Being a Christian doesn’t, at least in my opinion, make any more difference than if you’re a practitioner of any other religion. Your basic calling as a United States citizen calls you to vote.

Do Christians want more influence? Of course, so sure, as a Christian you should vote. Vote your values. Keep in mind, you’re not voting God into office. Your ideal candidate won’t be perfect, will be subject to many failures and shortcomings.

Don’t vote straight ticket if the candidates are posing viewpoints that are contrary to your values. Voting all Republican isn’t a vote for Jesus if the candidates don’t exhibit traits resembling our Creator. Nor is a vote for a Democrat a vote for Satan, or vice versa. Mixing and Matching is all right if you believe the candidates you list are in support of your values.

Whatever you do, don’t let someone else tell you what to do with your vote, or better stated : don’t let someone tell you who to vote for, based on their opinion. There is nothing I dislike more than someone saying, “Vote for so and so. Just do it.”

Try to find factual information, and unbiased information, as to make an educated opinion and cast your vote. http://votesmart.org/ appears to be a great site to help with the search, do some google searches and spend some actual time finding actual facts.

Whatever you do this year, don’t waste your vote.