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| Vol. 14 No. 12 December 2012 | Page 3 |
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| Vol. 14 No. 12 December 2012 | Page 3 |
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
We are certainly blessed to live in a nation where each and every American of voting age can cast his or her ballot and have a part in choosing our governmental leaders. We need to consider for whom we are casting our vote. Christians are spiritually attuned no matter what activity in which they are engaged. For example, when I am in the woods hunting, I am still a Christian and must conduct myself as such. The same applies to the voting booth. To cast our faith to the side when we cast our vote is hypocritical. Our faith determines the people we endorse and promote. Let us consider three guiding helps as we enter the voting booth as God’s children.
Firstly, we must consider the past of every candidate. How has he voted on issues that directly affect our faith? For example, how has the candidate voted when it comes to the sanctity of human life and abortion of unwanted babies? A Christian would never want to support a person who directly goes against what God has said regarding human life (Genesis 9:6; Romans 1:31; 13:9). How has the candidate voted regarding marriage? Does he support extending the right to marry to same sex couples? Our faith cannot allow us to bury our heads in the sand, nor only be concerned with the financial and material ideals of a particular candidate.
Secondly, we must consider the principles of every candidate. Does he recognize that America began and was founded on “Christian” and moral integrity? Does he hold to the traditions and values that have made America great in the past? Is he really a man of courage, conviction, and moral fiber? The “Commander-in-Chief” of a godly nation must have some godly principles! Does he honor and believe in the One, True God of the Bible? What is the candidate’s attitude toward Planned Parenthood, the A.C.L.U., and other such groups?
Thirdly, we must the consider potential of every candidate. Can this man really take America and bring her back to a God-fearing nation once again? Christians understand that the only way America can continue is if we become once again a moral, righteous nation (Proverbs 14:34), and that begins with righteous leaders (Proverbs 11:11)! Sadly, many Americans, even some Christians, will look only at the political and material side of a candidate. “Which candidate can make my wallet fatter” should never be our deciding factor on a ballot!
For Christians, an election is not about a particular political party or the economy, but rather it is about values, principles and morality. We, as God’s children, must make our voices heard through the election process. However, please remember as you enter the voter booth, consider the past, the principles and the potential of the candidates before you cast your vote. With Bible in one hand and ballot in the other, we can make a difference! May God once again bless America!
[Christians win at the ballot box irrespective of the outcome when they conduct themselves in accordance with Christian principles. Likewise, Christians lose at the ballot box irrespective of the outcome when they defer from conducting themselves in accordance with Christian principles. In the final analysis, God is in control; He establishes or removes rulers as He wills (Daniel 2:21), though Christians may be the tools in the hands of God to accomplish this. Yet, if God chooses to raise up other nations to punish America for its transgressions, to which an ungodly ruler would contribute toward that end, it would not be a new thing (Amos 6:14). In any case, faithful Christians will champion the righteous rather than the ungodly when they cast their votes. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
Joey Barrett
Light and darkness: knowing the context of these words when reading is the key to understanding. More specifically, understanding these words on a biblical basis is needed. Once one finds the individual meanings, the next task is to find where they are used in Scripture, and then finally, to apply their lessons to our everyday lives.
The absence of light is the common definition of darkness. Biblically, this word refers to evil or absence of truth. It is important that this meaning is established so that a proper interpretation of the verses can be established. The worldly view perceives light as that which is visible; the Bible on the other hand has a different view. The Bible lists light as the truth, which is good, and it also refers to Jesus as the light.
Those who stray from the truth into darkness will hate those of us who are in the light (truth). “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20). Every aspect about us contributes to who we are and how we live. Whether it is in word or in deed, what we say and do relates to which master we serve. We know from reading Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two masters. In addition, we observe that our thoughts and actions directly relate to whether we are in the light or in the dark. “The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness” (Luke 11:34).
Despite being hated, we are still called to love those who hate us. Fulfilling this commandment proves that we are truly in light, thus acting in the same manner as Jesus Himself. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Being taken advantage of is a price we must continually pay. Do not be stricken or saddened by this, but be relieved, for there is a reward for so doing. When that day comes, we should leap in joy, for our reward will be great in heaven (see Luke 6:23).