“Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Are we not worn out with the nitpicking in this election? Has it not chipped away at our faith and our hope for this nation? Sometimes we personalize politics too much. The medium is not the message. Rather than focusing on the medium (i.e. the flawed candidate), let’s take a look at the issues at stake that count the most in God’s scheme of things and do our research by “laying out the truth plain and simple” that is, “rightly dividing the word of Truth.” 

Prayerfully compare the platforms of each candidate with God’s Word. In this election we cannot afford to focus solely on the candidates themselves. There is far too much at stake to simply continue finger-pointing. We must compare platforms instead of personalities.

Once you have done your research, then (speaking from one believer to another), vote your conscience which is the voice of your spirit. When our spirits are submitted to God’s Holy Spirit, wise and discerning decisions – regardless of how difficult – can be made. Simply follow the peace that the Holy Spirit gives; do not follow the pundits, your family, your background, etc. Follow the Spirit who gives wisdom to those who simply ask.

Avoidance is always a temptation, but to refrain from voting is a derelict of duty to help choose. Avoidance will not help our nation. With all it’s strengths and beauties, it wobbles nonetheless under a top-heavy political system, financial overreach, and moral decline. Let’s do our research and not be idle. Vote the platform that aligns with God’s principles. And if the platform shoe fits, wear it with confidence into the voting booth. 

Father,

In this upcoming election I ask you to help me sort out the issues that are of top priority from Your perspective. You care about sparrows that fall, so you certainly care about kingdoms that teeter. Father, walk with me as I research and decide the best course of action to take, as I weigh the differences in party platforms and compare those platforms with your everlasting precepts.

Walk with me, guide me, teach me, change me, and use my vote in this election.

In Jesus’ Name Amen