Monday, October 26, 2020
One Issue Voting
TODAY'S FEATURED STORY
Pastor John Piper Explains Why He Isn't Voting for Trump or Biden
No, this is not an article about politics.
Be absolutely certain. We are all being tested. There has never been a time when this pastor has seen more Christians compromise the truth in one area in order to defend it in another. Those who speak out on any side of an issue can expect vilification from unbelievers and chagrin from believers alike.
For the sake of argument, let's assume that there aren't a whole lot of folks who believe two candidates in a given election are spiritually qualified. In fact, we have a system which does its very best to cull out spiritually qualified candidates, leaving behind only a few token names. Our nation has rejected God at hand.
When struggling about our testimony in voting John Piper, for example, stands radically against abortion on the one hand, and firmly convinced that no one should be placed in office on the basis of a single issue. (See also.) We will not vilify Dr. Piper for his refusal to vote for either candidate (as a means of testifying to his own stand) and we commend him for not vilifying others who do.
Dr. Piper struggles with the same issues of duplicity we all face. The question we address is not about the personalities in an upcoming election, it is about the criterion upon which we build our views when voting for any candidate at any time in any election. As for this pastor, I will vote with the following thoughts in mind:
1. I AM a one-issue candidate. I believe my vote (or lack thereof) must best serve to glorify God, all the while knowing that my vote (or lack thereof) will surely be misunderstood by some. My one issue, then, is to vote (or abstain) in a manner that best reflects God's perspective.
2. From God's perspective, the shedding of innocent blood, followed by the sanctity of the family, are the two highest demands that the scriptures make for all men who occupy His earth, believers or unbelievers alike. God hates violence.
3. I will remember that, in the end, God puts our leaders in place according to His plan and purpose, even while He expects us to be accountable with our vote.
When I consider the horns of the dilemma we all face, I will vote (or abstain from voting) with respect to the candidate and party which tips the scale, even if ever so slightly, in favor of the views which best reflect what is most important to God.
No, this is not an article about politics.
Be absolutely certain. We are all being tested. There has never been a time when this pastor has seen more Christians compromise the truth in one area in order to defend it in another. Those who speak out on any side of an issue can expect vilification from unbelievers and chagrin from believers alike.
For the sake of argument, let's assume that there aren't a whole lot of folks who believe two candidates in a given election are spiritually qualified. In fact, we have a system which does its very best to cull out spiritually qualified candidates, leaving behind only a few token names. Our nation has rejected God at hand.
When struggling about our testimony in voting John Piper, for example, stands radically against abortion on the one hand, and firmly convinced that no one should be placed in office on the basis of a single issue. (See also.) We will not vilify Dr. Piper for his refusal to vote for either candidate (as a means of testifying to his own stand) and we commend him for not vilifying others who do.
Dr. Piper struggles with the same issues of duplicity we all face. The question we address is not about the personalities in an upcoming election, it is about the criterion upon which we build our views when voting for any candidate at any time in any election. As for this pastor, I will vote with the following thoughts in mind:
1. I AM a one-issue candidate. I believe my vote (or lack thereof) must best serve to glorify God, all the while knowing that my vote (or lack thereof) will surely be misunderstood by some. My one issue, then, is to vote (or abstain) in a manner that best reflects God's perspective.
2. From God's perspective, the shedding of innocent blood, followed by the sanctity of the family, are the two highest demands that the scriptures make for all men who occupy His earth, believers or unbelievers alike. God hates violence.
3. I will remember that, in the end, God puts our leaders in place according to His plan and purpose, even while He expects us to be accountable with our vote.
When I consider the horns of the dilemma we all face, I will vote (or abstain from voting) with respect to the candidate and party which tips the scale, even if ever so slightly, in favor of the views which best reflect what is most important to God.
TODAY'S FEATURED SCRIPTURES
God will judge those nations who reject Him.
"The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God." Psalm 19:7 NKJV
God recognizes and loves life that is in the womb.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. - Psalm 139:13-16
God places all kings and rulers in place according to His plan.
Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding. - Daniel 2:20,21 NKJV
"The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God." Psalm 19:7 NKJV
God recognizes and loves life that is in the womb.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. - Psalm 139:13-16
God places all kings and rulers in place according to His plan.
Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding. - Daniel 2:20,21 NKJV
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