LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
BY KEITH LESLIE
Standing in line at early voting this year felt different than any over the last 20 years. Not better or worse, just different. Was it excitement? Or fear? Hate to admit, but I have taken my right to vote for granted. God expects us to make use of this privilege and vigorously defend this honor by using it.

If we fail to vote, we vote for the winner by default… right? If our purpose is to expand the kingdom of God on earth, then Christians must use our political leverage and give our support to all that will help to make that possible. This means we must vote intelligently; vote for the candidate who as close as possible represents our faith and philosophy. Sure, there have been some macro issues over the past 8 years, but haven’t we also taken a President who has been openly sympathetic to the expansion of the Kingdom for granted as well?

I too am tired of the rhetoric which states opinion as fact, and threatens to polarize us rather than encourage balanced discussion. One would think $600 million could inform the voter with fact, but the current economic challenges and thirst for “Change” has not distracted this voter from protecting our unborn. Think about it. Is it not hypocritical for Christians to denounce abortion and yet vote for a political candidate with a known abortion agenda? Wouldn’t it be easier to help prevent a candidate with such an agenda from being elected, rather than sit back and do nothing, then becoming active in condemning our country’s leader after elected? So then how should the Christian vote in which the President seldom has the final say? Simply, it is easier to prevent a problem from developing than it is to cure it after it has developed. Otherwise, my seven year old daughter Claire says it best, plan to “Get what you get and don’t throw a fit.”

We are blessed to vote without fear of oppression. Let your voice be heard… to whom much is given, much is expected. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is dynamic. He is willing and able to guide our decisions and feelings… like mine in the voting line. My feeling was neither excitement nor fear, it was one of resolve. I resolved at that moment with clarity only given by the Spirit, to never again hide in the safety of the sanctuary.