Election Day is Upon Us

The day that so many have been anxiously anticipating for months is nearly upon us. The voters of the United States will soon elect the 44th president of this great country. Whether this is the "most important election of our lifetime" is left up to others decide. It seems like each presidential election in my adult life has carried that tag with it, but this one certainly is significant.

The country is the midst of troublesome times as we endure a spiraling out-of-control economy, look for some hope in a seemingly endless war in Iraq and desire to see morality restored in the corners of society where life and righteousness are devalued and treated as worthless.

It is no secret that I have been vexed by how some professing Christians have carried themselves during this election cycle. We have slandered individuals, spread lies and forwarded an endless amount of e-mails based in gossip and hearsay. We have encouraged hate speech and sought to justify it by claiming to be bearers of truth.

On the other hand, many of us have sought to raise legitimate questions regarding issues pertinent to this election. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable and even to offend without being offensive. We are not failures when an unbelieving world is taken aback by our message, but when they are disgusted with our behavior.

Whoever wins in the election tomorrow, I hope that Christians everywhere will be committed to praying for our leaders as instructed in I Timothy 2:1-4. And in our prayers I think it is fitting and appropriate to ask God to change the hearts of our leaders when it comes to the matters with which we feel like they miss the heart of God. May each of us follow the clear instructions of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:-9-21:

" Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

May God bless all Americans tomorrow and may the followers of Jesus represent Jehovah well.