Voting. It’s not just about privilege, it’s about responsibility.
It Started with a Post About Voting
A couple of weeks ago I saw a post on Instagram by Barbara Majeski. Barbara was my guest on the show in episode 25.
The post read “If you are my friend and you support Trump, you are my friend. If you are my friend and you support Biden, you are my friend. If you feel the need to degrade those who feel differently than you…maybe we are not friends.”
The Hate Of Politics
This quote really resonated with me. I’ve unfollowed or blocked so many people because of the hate they were putting into the world over differences of opinion. The hate literally turns my stomach and it comes from all sides of the fence.
I read the comments on social media and they are like daggers to the heart. I see no need for this type of commentary on social media or anywhere. And especially because most of the time, they are uneducated lashings based on assumptions that are not factual.
Being an American
Let’s think about this. If you are an American, you…
- have the right and privilege to vote and you are blessed.
- are blessed to have the right to free speech, but that doesn’t give you the right to be hateful
- live in a country built on love, hard work, principals, faith, and justice
- don’t live under a suppressive government that makes decisions for you
- have freedom of religion and to practice the faith of your choice or not practice at all
- are especially blessed if you are a woman because you have rights that women in other countries do not have and are in fact suppressed and criminalized and punished for little things, we take for granted every day
Not Pointing Fingers
Why am I pointing this out? Where am I going with this? I am in no way pointing fingers, but I believe that I have been called to use my platform for good.
And hate breeds hate!
If you are disgruntled over politics, spend time educating yourself on the beliefs of each party. And don’t stop there. Go deeper and ask the people you care about why they believe what they believe. Start the dialogue and open the door for understanding. Don’t let your friendships die because of a difference in opinions.
Agree to Disagree
Agree to disagree. Respect opinions. This is one of the most beautiful things about living in America. You have freedom of choice and that includes freedom for voting.
The assumptions need to cease. Relationships and friendships are being destroyed because of assumptions.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.
Whether you are part of the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, or are a conservative Christian or a liberal on the far left, there will be no judgment from me.
What matters to me is that so many people are taking a side because of popular opinion, family legacy or because a friend or neighbor said so. If this is you, I’m going to call you out as a fool!
The Responsibility of Voting
Voting is important for the future of our country and if you haven’t educated yourself on the candidates you are voting on, you have absolutely no right to complain or attack others on their opinions when things aren’t going your way.
We have been given the privilege to vote. People have fought for this right. It isn’t a right all humans have, and it should never be taken for granted.
But it isn’t just a privilege, it is a responsibility and a moral obligation. The responsibility doesn’t begin and end at the ballot box. It begins with research and learning exactly what each person or organization believes before taking on a cause that doesn’t even align with your values and beliefs. If you don’t like the options on the ballot, vote for who you believe is the lesser of two evils and base the decision on your values and beliefs and what you have found by researching the topics of concern.
Generalization
Party lines don’t define the people in the political party. There are always discrepancies. You cannot accurately generalize in politics.
It is your job, your duty, and responsibility to discover and uncover the truth about what each candidate stands for. Generalizations are not applicable or appropriate and especially when making accusations or posting hateful comments on social media.
Education Before Voting
Make educated decisions. Do not follow a crowd or vote based on popular opinion, especially if that opinion is based on mainstream media and not on your own research into the facts.
There are always two sides to every story. Only believe what you have researched from reliable sources. Do fact-checking. Do not rely solely on one source of information and whatever you do, do not post before you know that what you are posting is accurate. There is no need to spread false information. Doing so is just adding fuel to the fire.
Here’s an idea, do fact-checking with your children. It’s a great way to educate them on politics, our government, personal values, and holding true to a moral compass.
Prayer is Powerful
Lastly, pray! Before making any decisions and voting, pray.
Our country is at a crossroads. There is great turmoil on the streets and in the homes.
If we’ve ever needed God to strengthen this country it is now. God is a peaceful God and doesn’t want to see hate spewing from the mouths of his children.
Galatians 3:26 to 29 reads: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I’m all for fighting for what you believe in but will never condone false accusations based on generalized assumptions.
Social Media Posts
Remember, the posts you are putting on social media are being read by someone you care about that doesn’t have the same opinion as you. You may not know they have a difference of opinion because you haven’t talked about it. When you spew hate, you hurt that person. You will lose the respect of that person. The relationship will be damaged because they will no longer trust you. Even if you post a generalized post, if there is anger, hate or judgement, people will interpret it as directed specifically at them.
Instead of hiding behind the computer and saying hateful things, before you post think of a person who you know, that has a different opinion than you. Is their political stance worth losing a friendship or relationship? Can you afford to lose a client or business based on political opinions?
If yes, then that is your choice. But if not, think before you post. Pray before you post.
If you are a business owner, then you certainly better think about whether or not your political rant is on-brand. Does everyone that fits into your ideal avatar have the same views as you? Chances are, no! So that post you just put up is making them think twice about working with you. When you offend people, they will lose trust in your character.
Check the Facts Before Voting
Likewise, if you are going to post and you have a business, I urge you to confirm your facts before you post. The last thing you want to do is to provide false information and lose your credibility.
Seriously, stop and think before you write the aggressive, angry posts. Even if you think you are being subtle, think twice!
Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Don’t Idolize
Lastly, do not idolize political candidates. God very clearly states that we are not to have false gods.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
An idol is an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.
The definition of idolatry is the worship of idols, extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone. And I might add, that we are talking about politicians. It’s no different than the influencers on social media. They don’t have us, as individuals, in mind.
Political candidates are not going to save us. If you are going to put your hope in something or someone, put it in God. Our only hope for eternal salvation is through Christ.
I’m going to leave you with two things:
- Proverbs 29: 25-26 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice.
- Secondly, I am a proud American and I have no tolerance for intolerance. Thousands of people have fought for this country and for our freedoms. Is it perfect, no? But nothing and no one is perfect. The reality is, there is no better place to live for opportunity and freedom. Let’s keep our country alive and thriving. Take responsibility, educate yourself, and take voting responsibly, and be kind in the process!
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