As Election Day draws near, speeches, rallies, interviews, and now debates permeate the airwaves. But where do the candidates really stand? Speech writers and advisors ensure the candidates tell the people what they want to hear. Taxes, codes of ethics, military, religion, government - whatever the issue at hand, you can be sure each candidate will customize their stance to the liking of popular opinion.
The real test, however, is where they have stood in years past. As they address the nation in these final weeks, are they simply pandering to the masses, or do they have an actual voting record to back up their words? You actually don't need to listen to all the talk, read all the articles, and tune in to all of the coverage, trying to discern where each candidate stands. The best and simplest way to know where a candidate stands is to look at where they have voted over the past 20 years.
Votesmart.org is a great resource, compiling facts from both liberal and conservative organizations and showing where the candidates have voted through the years.
While the positions of the various Presidential candidates are well publicized, it can be challenging to gain an accurate understanding of where candidates for other seats on the ballot stand. Votesmart.org allows you to search by candidate name or by zip code, to get informed about those on the ballot vying for Senate and House seats, in addition to the Presidential candidates.
I encourage you, however you do your homework - get informed and cast your vote. Too often I hear Christians say they are not going to the polls because neither candidate fully represents their values. They choose instead to sit back, essentially facilitating the further decline of our nation. Even when you don't fully stand behind a candidate on all issues - and you won't - your vote is still taking a vote away from those who would lead this country even further from the Biblical foundation on which it was founded. This November you have the opportunity to instead let your voice be heard, to let the government and the nation know that there is still a Christian voice in this country.
In anticipation of the coming election, we are blessed to have my good friend David Barton joining us October 25th & 26th. David is Founder & President of Wallbuilders, an organization whose primary objective is presenting America's Christian heritage and educating the nation on the laws that once governed this land under the Biblical principals on which it was founded. If you've never studied early American government from a Biblical standpoint, you will be AMAZED at what our founding fathers intended for our country and how far we have strayed from that original intent. Documents with which this nation was established, are thoroughly interwoven with scripture and the name of God. Yet today, in the name of tolerance, we watch God's name being erased from public establishments and from the hearts of our leaders.
More than a century ago, President James A. Garfield stated, "Now, more than ever, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature... If the next centennial does not find us a great nation... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces."
If that could be said in the late 1800's, how much more true is it today? Look around! Are we demanding high qualities in our elected officials, or tolerating ignorance and corruption? Are we as Christians staying home on election day or using the ballot box to reign in the force of darkness in our country? Are we voting for faithful men who fear God? Are we letting our voice be heard on issues that will lead to further erosion of our country's already compromised moral values?
Will you be at the polls next month?
I would implore you to let your voice be heard. And if you don't have a solid understanding of the foundation on which this nation was established, or if you think, like so many, that the perpetual decline of the nation is what it is and nothing you do will change that, come out October 25th or 26th to hear David Barton share. Bring friends or co-workers with you. Go a step beyond the conversations around the water cooler this political season. Offer folks an opportunity to understand the heritage of our country, and the values that were once and need to be once more the bedrock of our nation's leadership.
Blessings in Him,
Lloyd Pulley
Senior Pastor
We would love to hear the story of what God has done in your life. If you would like to share your testimony of God's faithfulness with us, please CLICK HERE.
