Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Choosing a Path



Decisions. Some are easy, and others stress us out. When we know the choices we make could mean the difference between security and disaster for our families, they deserve our full attention and consideration.

Elections come up every year, but a Presidential year is extremely important. The winning candidate will exert a great deal of influence over our future for better or worse.

While my family has been affiliated with a particular party for many years, my father and mother always stressed two things: 1) The values of the candidate. 2) His qualifications. If a person met their criteria but was not a member of their party, they also considered the party platform. Never did they slavishly vote along party lines just because their ancestors or anyone else did. The well-being of the country and godly principles took precedence.

The amount of information in this media-soaked country sometimes causes confusion. How do we separate the honest from the hype? What do we do to bring clarity to the overall picture? Here's my methodology:

1) What is the candidate's track record? What has he done versus what he said he would do?

2) Does his values reflect mine, and, more importantly, God's precepts?

3) When it comes to economics, has he shown good business sense and responsible stewardship of our tax dollars?

4) Foreign policy: What is his attitude toward Israel? How does he protect the autonomy of the U.S.? Does he respect our Constitution or undermine it by his words, actions, and selection of people to fill key positions?

5) The candidate may not fully reflect my wish list, but is he a good fit on the most important issues?

6) I do not consider the candidate's rhetoric or how good-looking he may be.

7) Last, but not least, I pray. If we leave God out of the equation, how can we expect His favor or blessing on our land?

We're all busy with our own lives, but we cannot afford to ignore elections.

Writers and Readers: How do you select the person, who will be our President?



13 comments:

Diane Estrella said...

This is such a big election this year. Praying the man God wants will be in office. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

Yes, this election will have a great impact on the nation.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
Thank you for your list. I have had a difficult time with making a decision in this matter.

Diane is right. Weneed to ask God to place the one He wants in there.

Terri Tiffany said...

We actually were not going to vote for the first time ever until someone convinced us it Is our duty to pray and do as God would want us to. It still is hard to put any man in office you don't care for.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit - Perhaps brainstorming with someone would help you sort things out. Feel free to email me.

Hi Terri - I struggled with this issue as well, but through prayer and talking with others resolved it.

Blessings,
Susan

JD said...

We're watching the debates in our household, and tuning into news shows discussing the candidates from all angles. The protection of religious freedom, in particular, is a huge concern for my family. This *is* an important election year, as you mention. May God guide this nation now and at all times.

Blessings to you and yours...

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette -

Yes, our basic freedoms are under major attack. I'm watching this election and praying fervently.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

We're avid political watchers because elections have such an impact on our country. Some people say it doesn't matter who gets put in, but I don't believe that's true. Policies do make a difference.

I'm glad to know, however, that God is always, always in control. No matter who controls Congress.

Jean Fischer said...

Susan, I pray and ask God to guide me toward the candidates that are most aligned with His teachings. While I respect and believe in religious freedom, I find it hard to vote in principle against my faith.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda - I think too many people forget that WE'RE the government.

Hi Jean - I'm with you all the way!

Thanks,
Susan :)

Kathleen said...

The privilege of voting is just that: a privilege. I see it also as a sacred trust; which is to say I need to know the candidates, their policies, and the issues.

Let's hope every American becomes informed, and makes their way to the polls this year.

Good to "see" you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

I wholeheartedly agree. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kathleen said...

What a long, sloggy & ugly campaign season this has been. Actually, I made up my mind long ago and haven't felt the need to waver since.

It really does boil down to policies & principles for me. The sanctify of life and marriage being foremost; the economy of secondary concern. I love the statement Billy Graham came out with a few days ago; to which I say "ditto".

May every American find their way to the polls. It's such a privilege, if not a duty.