Red, White and a Little Blue

Happy Election Day!

I’m surprised every 4 years by the amount of hate, negative campaigning, libel, and un-shaking opinion that ransack media, especially social media, especially from Christians, especially from my friends. It makes me nauseated and it makes me get on my knees in prayerful thanks that God did not call Ben nor myself into politics. Yuck. That’s a job for some very special people. 

Yes, I voted.

Yes, I voted for Romney. 

Yes, I voted for McCain.

Yes, I voted for Bush, twice. 

Yes, I believe one should vote even if they don't have a clear idea of who they want to vote for, it is our privilege and the reason our relatives have died by thousands over the years in wars...to give us the freedom, and that freedom encompasses voting. 

That does not mean I’m going to go around dis-respecting our president no matter who he/she is. They are going to have a very tough 4 years no matter what, so the least I can do is say congratulations and good luck...all the while being thankful that I’m from the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave and that idea is where we can unite with pride and power when the ‘not if, but when’ scenarios do happen. 

As with every election, I’m brought to the following scripture. It’s pretty clear. 

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, 

        for there is no authority except that which God has established. 

                The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 

       For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. 

But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 

Give to everyone what you owe them: 

   If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”

Romans 13:1-8