VOTE!

Folks we’re cranking up for the November elections. Make sure you VOTE!

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night and the Republican National Convention kicks off next week.

Make sure as Christians we aren’t lured into the swamplands of hate. Because if we hate someone because they hate us we’re in the swamp and will come up nasty.

We can agree to disagree without name calling, distortion of truth (lies), violence, division and racism.

Michelle Obama gave an excellent keynote speech last night where she echoed the phrase, “when they go low, we go high”.

What does that look like for Christians?

1.) Ask yourself, “am I glorifying God who is total LOVE or am I acting out of my emotions. Am I falling into the trap of hate?

(1 John 4:20)

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen”.

You don’t have to feel love to love and pray for someone which brings me to my next point.

2.) Pray for those you disagree with even if you have to do it with clinched teeth. That’s not only God’s command but it frees you to think clearly.

(Matthew 5:43-46)

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same”?

2.) Seek peace with everyone. And sometimes peace come through confrontation and speaking the truth in love. Speak up Jesus didn’t tolerate injustice and hypocrisy. His speaking up led to his death. We are called to a higher standard than belittling each other. True wisdom is peaceable not soft and indulgent.

(Matthew 5:9)

“The peacemakers are blessed,

for they will be called sons of God”.

3.) Get the plank out of your eye before you start accusing someone else. Ask yourself, “am I promoting love or hate?” Am I part of the problem or a part of the solution to the chaos in America?

(Matthew 7:3-5)

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye”.

4.) Resist any worldly counsel that would lead you to hate. Allow your mind to be transformed through God’s Word. If the counsel isn’t lining up with God’s Word; run from it!

(Romans 12:2)

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God”.

5.) Pray for wisdom before casting your vote. You will hear many voices attempting to sway your vote. Ask God for wisdom because ultimately He is the one who will put one up or pull them down.

(Psalms 75:6-7)

“Exaltation does not come

from the east, the west, or the desert,

for God is the Judge:

He brings down one and exalts another”.

6.) Definitely be sure to VOTE in November. That’s one very important way to make your voice heard. That’s how you exercise your influence as salt and light.

(Matthew 5:13-14)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

7.) Know that whatever the result of this or any election God will work it for our good!

(Romans 8:28)

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose”.

Blessings!