A grain of salt...

It’s been an ugly electoral season, hasn’t it? Negative campaign ads are a real turn-off to me. The media (Left and Right) is so biased it makes us all skeptical about the veracity of the information we’re receiving. Some of us might be thinking about staying home from the polls next Tuesday. You may be tempted to think think it does not really matter if you vote. Please re-consider! The truth is that one vote is important. Being part of choosing those who govern is not just a privilege, it’s a responsibility.

So, some of you are probably thinking, "Jerry, isn't the mission of this daily email about encouraging spiritual development?" It is! Followers of Christ must fulfill the charge of bringing a godly influence in our society. One way is with our ballot. Pray about your vote. Paul urged the Believers living in pagan societies of his time to bear public witness. He said, "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)

Know why you're voting for that person to whom you give your support. Research the candidate's positions, and vote wisely, not simply emotionally. Look past personal charisma and rhetorical skills. Support those who are thoughtful and wise. Look at their record, at specific votes, at what various advocacy groups have to say about their positions. With a little digging, information is available.

No candidate will perfectly conform to your ideals. Selecting the person you support will involve prioritizing issues that you consider to be important and then choosing the candidate that reflects the values you list highest on your list. I would encourage you not to be single issue voter. Consider the totality of a candidate's positions. And I repeat, pray about your vote! I would suggest these questions as a starting point for your evaluation:

• Does this candidate have a consistent position on the sacredness of all human life?

• Does this candidate seek ways to provide justice to all people- rich, poor, black, and white?

• Is this candidate actively concerned about economic opportunity for all people?

• Does this candidate show a genuine respect for God's creation, balancing the need for development with environmental preservation?

• Is this candidate’s character worthy of trust of leadership?

Jesus tells His disciples that they function as “the salt of the earth.” Though we primarily think of salt as a flavor, in His time, salt served a valuable function of preserving foods, particularly meat, from spoiling. Your vote is like a grain of salt, a way of preserving the political process from corruption. Individually, we are like a small grain of salt. Together, our grains of salt will make a real difference.

Here’s a word from the Word. It’s a timely reminder.
"Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens.
Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order.
It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society.
Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules.
Treat everyone you meet with dignity.
Love your spiritual family.
Revere God. Respect the government." (1 Peter 2:13-17, The Message)