Here's Something More Important Than Voting to Do on November 6

It was during quiet time with God that it hit me.

I felt ashamed and embarrassed.

I had let myself once again fall into the divisive trap that is American politics.

Photo credit: Ricardo Fernández (Creative Commons)

You see I am often critical of politicians. I question their words, their motives, their initiatives.

And rightly so in many cases.

But it was in that moment that I felt God asking me, "For all the criticizing that you do, have you taken time to pray for them?"

The truth is, I had not.

I had dehumanized the politicians on the other side of the aisle so that I could demonize them.

But what God reminded me that morning is that these same politicians are real people, made in His image, loved by Him, and in need of a savior.

Just like me.

The 76%

Most of us have already decided who we're going to vote for in the presidential election.

And all of us think we are right (myself included).

But how many of us have taken the time to pray about it?

76% of people in the United States claim Jesus (Trinity College, 2008). 

In contrast, 29% self-identify as republican and 31% democrat (Gallup, 2010).

So while it may feel that our nation is divided, we have more in common than you might think.

So I propose that the 76% pray in three specific ways:

Pray about your vote

I know who I am going to vote for.

But we should still be open to change our minds. What seems clear to us isn't always as black and white as it may seem.

It is easy to get locked into a particular ideology, and that makes it even easier to be deceived.

Proverb 12:15 reads:

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Ask God to reveal which candidate you should vote for.

He just might change your mind.

Pray for the outcome of the election

What would happen if each and every one of us bowed before Him and said, "Not my will, but Yours Lord" in regards to the election?

I think I know who the better candidate is.

I think I know who will do a better job leading this country for the next four years.

But God, the omniscient, has a much better vantage point:

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind. Psalm 33:13

God sees the bigger picture. We don't.

Praying for the outcome reminds us that God is in control, not government.

Pray for the candidates

Remember that government is filled with people.

The candidates need prayer as much as you or I do.

In fact, 1 Timothy 2:2 urges us to pray "for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Pray that the Spirit would move in their lives and that they would repent if they are in sin—not in a judgmental way, but in a genuine, honest manner.

I don't know about you, but President of the United States is not a title I want.

It is one of the most difficult jobs in the world, and that one man carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.

Have you ever felt that kind of pressure?

I haven't.

And I'm not sure that I want to either.

A more important thing

So while I think that criticism has a legitimate place in political discourse, prayer is more important.

Unfortunately, sometimes we neglect the latter in favor of the former.

But which one do you think has more impact?

The bottom line is this: God can use whomever He chooses to carry out His will. And if you are putting your hope anywhere other than in Christ, you will be disappointed.

So please, vote on November 6. I think it is an important thing to do.

Just don't make it the most important thing you do that day.

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