Thus sayeth the Lord about this year's election

You may have clicked on this blog thinking you were going to get a definitive, Biblical answer to the question "How should I vote?"  I am sorry to disappoint you but the intent of this post is to help you think Biblically about this election and every election.

This article contains three links to articles/videos I have found helpful not necessarily clarifying.|I have also included a couple of ideas/principles I heard or developed in thinking about this election.

Here is the first principle.  Your vote in this election does not mark you a Christian.  Let me clarify.  One is a Christian because he is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Belonging to a certain party or voting a certain way does not make you a Christian. 

A Christians's Hope is found in God who is sovereign, Jesus Christ who saves and the Holy Spirit who empowers believers.

This article My Prediction for November 9 by Max Lucado (maxlucado.com/prediction-november-9) shows this idea of Real, Eternal Hope.

"I have a prediction. I know exactly what November 9 will bring. Another day of God’s perfect sovereignty. He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never before has His providence depended on a king, president, or ruler. And it won’t on November 9, 2016. “The LORD can control a king’s mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases” (Proverbs 21:1 NCV)."

"Circle November 9 on your calendar and write upon it the words:  Our good God rules the world."

There are two school's of thought I have heard regarding casting your vote.

Look Beyond the Candidates to the Platforms
"We have a command, choice and a contrast to consider this and every election."
From Know the Truth's Shall I vote video by Philip Decourcy - www.facebook.com/kttradio/videos/1667947446828516/

The Character of every candidate must be considered
"[Many Christians] are being awakened to the idea of what it means to be resident aliens, of what is means to be strangers and exiles who are concerned about neighbors and concerned about justice in the public arena but don't derive our identity from that."www.russellmoore.com/2016/09/28/thoughts-election-2016/

There are good reasons why many godly men and women have fallen into one of these two school's of thought.  As I mentioned earlier I don't think one of these options is less Christian.  My challenge to each of us this election is to be responsibly trusting God.   

In reading and listening to many different pastors and writers about this year's election, there is at least one thing that is very clear.  This year's presidential race and election is very unique.  This is one of the reasons I planned for EBC's Soul Care groups to do the ONWARD study - to help people and our small groups think about contemporary issues Biblically. 

As November 8th keeps getting closer, 

personally, I am still thinking through the candidates and the issues.

Pastorally, I want to help those I pastor consider what their action steps are going to be.

Here are two things I am thinking through this election.

First, PRAY for wisdom and direction.  VOTE responsibly.  PRAY for our elected officials.

Second, LOVE GOD - everything is an act of worship.  Vote in such a way that God is first.  You are worshiping and trusting in God.  LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS - I need to consider how my vote is going to impact others. 

Remember, 

your vote is more important than you think
AND 

your vote, our votes, can never thwart or slow down God's plan.

Here are a couple of quotes that have recently challenged my thinking.