Beloved of God

This year’s election has ignited an excitement in the hearts of the American people that I’ve never witnessed before. In addition to this excitement, it has also brought out the ugly in some of the unlikeliest of people – Christians. As if that’s not bad enough, it’s the pastors inciting the behavior.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (I Peter 5:2, 3)

At least they’ve been getting the feeding part right - force feeding, in fact. I wish church leaders would stop trying to manipulate their congregations’ political views; that’s the media’s job. Whether they’re in favor of my choice for president or not, I do not want my pastor preaching on who I should vote for. 

It worries me that someone would vote a certain way simply because their pastor said so, and it angers me that so many “leaders” are using the bible as a goad to get them to do it. If we were to really use the Bible as a measuring stick in order to determine who is more spiritually fit to be commander and chief, BOTH candidates would get the short end of the stick. There is none righteous – no, not one [Romans 3:10].

I’m a supporter of Dr. Charles F. Stanley’s In Touch Ministries in Atlanta Georgia. I receive monthly mailings which contain letters on various spiritual topics. This month’s topic was, of course, pertaining to the upcoming election. My initial thought: Say it ain’t so! Not you too Dr. Stanley!  I was tempted to just discard the letter; I didn’t want to add to my frustrations. In spite of the letter’s theme, I continued to read.

To my surprise and delight, Dr. Stanley put a better spin on the election. He said that no matter what happens we should remember that God has the final say in who is elected, and as Christians it is our responsibility to pray for and intercede on the behalf of our leader(s) whoever it may be.

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding (Daniel 2:21) 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (I Timothy 2:1-3)

What a wonderful example Dr. Stanley is! He’s got my vote! I’m ChristianBell and I approve this message.