ELECTIONS

Well, our Republic has “flexed its muscle” once again, as Mid-Term Election Day has come and gone.  Whenever (and I should say wherever) I vote I always remember the first election that I took part in; the polls being located across the street from my dorm on campus.  It was a monumental moment for me, like driving by myself for the first time, or graduating…etc.

I thank God that I live in a country where I CAN speak my mind freely, where I can vote…where I can write a letter to King Charles, apologizing for that “tea incident” and asking him to take us back (this is usually toward the end of a big, national, campaign year, when I can’t stand yet another political ad)

I know that some of us are elated, and some disappointed in the results of yesterday’s elections…and some are surprised.  But personalities, methods and political belief aside…what is our responsibility to our government, as “Believers & Followers”?  Jesus was “actively neutral” toward the Romans; a repressive, sometimes sadistic government who mocked the people they conquered…in fact, when asked straight out about His views, he always turned the conversation back to His Father.

I’m a peacemaker inside, I don’t have much trouble with anything and tend to like everyone and see all sides of a situation…sometimes that’s not a good thing, but most of the time it is a trait that I’m thankful my father (Tom Vale, my father who knows no stranger) left to me.  So maybe it’s easier for me to say, whoever sits in the Mayor’s Office, the Senate or House Chairs, or the Oval Office…I respect the office and wish them all the best (after all, it’s only to MY benefit if they make wise and worthwhile choices). 

Paul, in his letter to the Roman Church, says, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.” (13:1) – in fact, ROMANS 13:1-7 is a good bunch of verses to read whenever you think of our leaders and the church.

I’ve been in leadership, and I know how difficult it is, and how fickle.  Maybe for that reason there is something that I have done for every President and Mayor, newly elected, since I’ve been involved in ministry (since around 1981) – I write them a personal letter and promise to pray for them, and their families, regularly.  I don’t agree or disagree with their reasoning or political beliefs, for me, that’s beside the point.  I only promise to lift them up in prayer on a regular basis.  Just a note; for all those letters, there are only a couple of leaders who have written me back…I’m not politically minded, but I’ve NEVER forgotten which leaders took the time to respond.

I think, as “Believers & Followers”, we have the responsibility to “honor those to whom honor is due” and to “respect those to whom we owe respect”.  As Free Americans in this Republic we have the duty to let our leaders know what we think, how else can they lead?

And here are some points to consider, for all of us this post-election day:

FOR THOSE WHOSE CANDIDATES WON:
The scripture is clear; pray, pray, pray for your leaders.  (I TIMOTHY 2:1-4) If you pray that God’s voice will be heard in their hearts, that they will be surrounded by wise counsel, that they will ALWAYS act according to what they believe is in the best interest of this land and not by selfish motive and pray that their families will be safe and secure…that is the best gift that you can give.  If and when a leader makes a choice that you wouldn’t necessarily choose, trust God to be great enough to listen to YOUR prayer and answer YOUR prayer for the Leader-in-question and know that God holds this country, as all countries, in His hand and will answer if called upon.

 FOR THOSE WHOSE CANDIDATES DID NOT WIN:
The scripture is clear; pray, pray, pray for your leaders.  (I TIMOTHY 2:1-4) If you pray that God’s voice will be heard in their hearts, that they will be surrounded by wise counsel, that they will ALWAYS act according to what they believe is in the best interest of this land and not by selfish motive and pray that their families will be safe and secure…that is the best gift that you can give.  If and when a leader makes a choice that you wouldn’t necessarily choose, trust God to be great enough to listen to YOUR prayer and answer YOUR prayer for the Leader-in-question and know that God holds this country, as all countries, in His hand and will answer if called upon.

 FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T YET SURE:
The scripture is clear; pray, pray, pray for your leaders.  (I TIMOTHY 2:1-4) If you pray that God’s voice will be heard in their hearts, that they will be surrounded by wise counsel, that they will ALWAYS act according to what they believe is in the best interest of this land and not by selfish motive and pray that their families will be safe and secure…that is the best gift that you can give.  If and when a leader makes a choice that you wouldn’t necessarily choose, trust God to be great enough to listen to YOUR prayer and answer YOUR prayer for the Leader-in-question and know that God holds this country, as all countries, in His hand and will answer if called upon.

Again, I thank God for a place where we can actually choose our leaders…come January 2025 I may be sending a letter out to our new Leaders…and come November 2024, I may be sending a letter to King Charles!

To quote Charles Dickens’ TINY TIM: “God bless us every one!” – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, undecided…and children of God, all!