It’s time to Vote. “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.” ~John Lewis
I so agree with the late Congressman John Lewis. He suffered much to have this wisdom. In a very different way as a Christian woman and one that has voted often I feel my vote choice for this election has been compromised. I’m one that appreciates the art of debates. And, humbled to be privileged to live in a democracy. Yet, to have Christian leaders out with big bull horns saying I’m not a Christian if I don’t vote their choice leaves me thinking that is abuse. Are they saying I’m going to hell if I don’t vote their choice? If I not a Christian what am I?
I prayed for those leaders and for me and others that might feel discouraged and not inspired to vote. Then I was lead to a great theologian that has been proven over time to always point us to the one to follow and that is Jesus Christ.
He is suffering and being treated for cancer at this very time but offers hope in every way. I so appreciate these words he offered on my vote in this article, “liberty of conscience.”
Sharing this article by Dr Keller…https://www.christianpost.com/news/tim-keller-rejects-claims-that-christians-must-vote-a-certain-way-says-stop-demonizing-opponents.html
thedailylily.com 
Sara thank you for sharing this article, the quote by John Lewis, and your own gift of words to help encourage and bring light and truth.
“Yet, to have Christian leaders out with big bull horns saying I’m not a Christian if I don’t vote their choice leaves me thinking that is abuse.” I agree. Thank you for articulating my feelings and probably those of many others.
Your comment about Dr. Keller, … “a great theologian that has been proven over time to always point us to the one to follow and that is Jesus Christ.” is a rock to stand on.
I appreciated reading Dr. Keller’s thoughts and found this one very helpful: “This means when it comes to taking political positions, voting, determining alliances and political involvement, the Christian has liberty of conscience. Christians cannot say to other Christians ‘no Christian can vote for…’ or ‘every Christian must vote for […’] unless you can find a Biblical command to that effect,” continued Keller.”
Looks like some of those who commented on his article focused on one or two of the sin issues in the scriptures I listed below, but never mentioned the others. All the listed sins (and abuse is even in the list) seem to carry the same penalty…”will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”…and that is sobering.
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Rev 21: 8 NLT
“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” I Cor 6:9-10
I am sorry to hear that “Timothy Keller is suffering and being treated for cancer” and pray that the Lord will touch him with healing, strength and encouragement.
Wendy wrote on her FB page this short essay. I thought since we know Wendy so well as a caring compassionate person we might think about her thoughts during this time.
“I have watched people hate their neighbor for their political views. This saddens my heart. I feel we need to get back to the basics. Love thy neighbor. We don’t need to always agree but just love thy neighbor. I am a nurse. When I comfort you and hold your dying hand. I don’t ask who did you vote for, what is your political views, how much money do you have. I am totally focused on you and doing everything I can to help you, to comfort you, to care for you, to honor your wishes. I will be there for you, I will cry for you, hold your hand and love you. Until your last breath, until your last heartbeat if that is your wish. Nurses do this without asking you if you are a good or bad person, if you are rich or poor, who are you voting for. We do this because we care. We care for you. We care for your family. We care. I love you my family, friends and neighbors. May love and peace over take the fear and anxiety of 2020. ❤️“
Beautiful essay💕
Sara, Thank you for sharing Wendy’s essay and her thoughts. Reading it was a a breath of fresh air to think on in a very toxic national environment.
I think they echo this statement by Dr. Keller, “Right now our very social fabric is tearing apart because of, among other things, increasing, mutual demonizations ON BOTH SIDES. Christians must not contribute to this in any way.”
Her care, compassion and love is not just some words, but good deeds. It reminded me of I Cor. 13.
“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self….” (Message)
I amthankful for the freedom and privilege to vote in America.🙏🇺🇸
Yes vote vote,vote. Like Tammy I also am thankful for the freedom and privilege to vote in America. One the elementary school favorite songs was I’m Proud to be an America what enthusiasm they had as they sang the chorus
Remember November 3 is our turn to vote.