Elections have Consequences
by Ruth Smith
The idea that “elections have consequences” should prompt us to carefully consider candidates by the direction in which they will lead our nation.
The leadership in our country at any period of our history, including the current times, were chosen by the electorate.
Each candidate is endeavoring to present himself or herself as the “best” person to lead our nation. The views of candidates at the national level reveal striking differences.
Whose responsibility is it to discern what each candidate represents? Or to know how this candidate will govern?
How do we make our choice? Do we simply follow the one that makes the best appearance?
Do “we, the people” have a framework of thinking by which we can evaluate various candidates; not only by their words, but also by their actions?
As a Christian, do we only look for the one who says he is a born-again Christian? History reveals that isn’t the only basis by which we should choose a candidate. In fact, that method can bring poor results.
On the other hand, how important is it that the candidate stands for the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence?
Our forefathers understood from the very beginning that our nation could only stand if people of integrity and principle were chosen to be the leaders and make the laws by which we would be governed.
Following is a quote from Noah Webster in his Letters to a Young Gentleman. The content may not be easy reading, but rings true yet today:
“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate – look to his character as a man of known principle, of tried integrity, and undoubted ability for the office.
“It is alleged by men of loose principles, or defective views of the subject, that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. But if we had no divine instruction on the subject, our own interest would demand of us a strict observance of the principle of these injunctions. And it is to the neglect of this rule of conduct in our citizens, that we must ascribe the multiplied frauds, breaches of trust, peculations and embezzlements of public property which astonish even ourselves; which tarnish the character of our country; which disgrace a republican government; and which will tend to reconcile men to monarchy in other countries and even in our own. . . .”
Do you know the principles upon which this nation was founded?
Do your children know? Do your friends and neighbors know?
Make the effort to know both the character and record of candidates running for office. Exercise discernment by choosing those who will best protect liberty for our future.
Pilgrim Institute’s Restoring America’s Biblical Foundations provides a helpful study for restoring Biblical reasoning concerning civil government – check out the details.