In less than one week, history will take place. On Tuesday, November 3rd, the people will decide who will be President of the United States for the next four years. Why is this election such a momentous occasion for the country and, frankly, for the entire world? 

• Two parties have drastically different visions for America. 
• Two parties hold entirely different values and beliefs. 
• There are two parties, but only one will win to shape the course of the future. 

What does this mean for you? 

It means you have a crucial role to take! You get to vote, which makes all the difference in the world. 

• By your vote, you can help pave the way for which direction America should take. 
• By your vote, you represent your values with where your party stands. 
• By your vote, you can say ‘Yes’ to God since He is invested in our future. 

If you believe God cares about your life – a plan to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), isn’t it possible to imagine that He is concerned about our collective welfare as a nation? Isn’t it plausible to think that the Lord would want His people to make the best possible choice for how His Spirit to move? 

I totally believe it. 

When the Kings of Israel and Judah sat on the throne, they had a choice to lead the nation with biblical values or their standards. The record of how they were successful was in direct correlation to their faithfulness to God. Who they worshipped – God or false idols – would steer the nation’s direction, either in peace and prosperity or in turmoil and tragedy. 

When the city of Nineveh heard Jonah’s prophetic warning, “the Ninevites believed God” (Jonah 3:4). The king proclaimed a fast, hearts turned, and God relented because of their repentance (Jonah 3:10). 

When Paul went to Ephesus, a holy fear seized the people, and Jesus’ name was held in honor. As a result, people confessed their sins, they publicly burned articles of sorcery, and miracles took place. Because the people aligned themselves with God’s values and turned from their desires, “the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (Acts 19:20). God moves when we move towards Him. “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8). 

What should you do?

 Vote. Think along these lines as you do: 

• It’s about biblical values – search the Scriptures with the values the parties uphold. While there are arguments to take up that both parties have biblical values, certain firm beliefs are contrary to God’s desires. Which party holds the values to God’s heart? Which party seems to be working against God’s purposes? 

• It’s more than the man; it’s the message – I’m sure you can recount the flaws, foolish gabs, and mistakes the candidates have made. Perhaps it’s their personality that rubs you the wrong way. It could be the candidates past. While these considerations are understandable, whom the Lord chooses ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14) is up to Him. Don’t be so quick to forget that God used Kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus to, respectively, have undeserved favor with the Jewish people and bring them back to their homeland from captivity. These kings were pagans and were still used by God in a mighty way. It’s even more of a reason to look at what the candidates stand for rather than who they are.

• Facts over feelings – This is similar to the point above but emphasizes searching for the truth. Now, finding the truth is tough since ‘fake news’ is so rampant… who do you trust with all the information scattered on the internet and news media? You’ll have to do your research. Time and time again, ‘facts’ have been altered with an obvious bias. The goal is to not only misinforming you but to stir you up emotionally. Why not vote out of anger for who you don’t want rather than what is right? Sadly, this can happen, but should not be the reason to vote. 

I pray that this article has been helpful to you. If you read this with a sense of agreement in your Spirit, I am thrilled to hear it! It seems that we are on the right track in thinking about how to vote in light of God’s values and agenda. If this didn’t sit well with you, it’s perfectly acceptable – perhaps this is an invitation to spend precious time with the Lord. This ‘unsettledness’ could be a divine opportunity for the Lord to speak to you about what matters to you regarding the election. Ask the Holy Spirit those tough questions about any biblical values that you struggle with, the candidates, or how you see God working in this time. He will reveal Himself to you. Remember, “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Have a blessed week!