In a more limited sense domino theory was a Cold War political idea that when one nation moved to communism the other nations surrounding it would become communistic too. It was a 1950's-1980's application of the ripple effect. In a broader context, domino theory is a situation in which one event causes a series of similar events to happen one after another, like toppling a line of dominoes. Many life decisions involve the after effects of that initial impulse. It's true in elections as well, and is especially noteworthy in the 2018 Mid Term election on November 6.
Much of the hype in this election is about which party will control the Congressional branch of government, the House or Representatives, and the United States Senate. The political wonks remind us everyday that the voting strategy and motivation of millions of voters is their hatred or love for President Donald Trump. Party platforms and even local candidate stances on the issues have been relatively inconsequential. Most of the political signs I've noticed don't even announce a political party affiliation or endorsement. And, we're in a critical zone of extreme politics when we realize the potential of assassination bombings, terrorism, and heat generated by 14,000 immigrants preparing to invade our borders. The nation's vital signs fluctuate like a human in physical distress---some indicators trending high and healthy while others are blaring danger alarms. Economics look good, Americans are working, Wall Street is healthy, and there's visible progress in many arenas of daily life. Morally and ethically, however, we're on life support. And, the political hatred is a steaming cauldron being stirred by the left's mainstream media. .
As an arm-chair-quarterback in the political arena I'm limited in awareness too. My list isn't totally accurate and I'm sure I've missed a line item or fifty in making this assessment. But, here are a few of the dominoes that the 2018 Mid Term election could activate when the votes are counted and the winners are announced---
1. The Supreme Court is still up for grabs. Several justices could retire,
meaning that President Trump could appoint several more to our highest
court. The debacle in the United States Senate to confirm Judge Brett
Kavanaugh earlier this month embarrassed the whole nation. Can we expect
more with Congress in the balance of this election? Pray not.
2. Down ballot voting could be affected by the final Mid Term vote. Not only is
the United States Congress in the center-fold of this election, so are many
gubernatorial offices, state legislatures, and local government positions. Most
observers believe the vote will swing in one direction or another nation wide.
3. There could be affirmation or reversal of controversial legislation like our
immigration laws, presidential fiat, existing tax policy, international trade laws
and directives, wage and benefits laws, adjustments in the Social Security
Administration, the size and deployment of American armed forces,
congressional term limits, and many other legislative initiatives.
4. The eroding national moral compass is an important domino theory item in this
election. There's little denying the massive shifts in our understanding of the
sanctity of life, treatment of immigrants, marriage laws, sexual identity,
terrorism, rampant crime, violence in our schools, and dozens of connected
ideals resulting from the political agenda of the left. If the Mid Term election
moves further in that direction we can be assured that the moral landscape of
our nation will continue that downward trend.
5. The drift toward socialism has tracked more definitively in recent years
as well. Younger voters affection for extreme leftist candidates verified this
leaning among many Democratic and disaffected Republican voters as well.
This election may accelerate or slow that drift.
6. National and personal security are issues for citizens across America. In recent
years the rule of law has been abridged and violated creating disdain and loss
of respect for the law enforcement community, first responders, prosecutors,
and the military. Filling congressional seats and state offices with people of
extreme leftist politics would pose additional threats to our security apparatus.
As previously attested, this list is small in comparison to the larger impact of this election. It is the reason I'm spending time in the prayer closet before I go into the voting booth.
My personal Christian worldview drives me to be prepared. The ideas of watchfulness and vigilance are significant themes in Scripture. Being prepared in season and out of season (see 2 Timothy 4:2), has application beyond the context of Paul's letter to Timothy. He was writing to Timothy about his duties to teach, instruct, and rebuke those under his care. Certainly it is true there. But, being prepared is a standard that believers should take into every life circumstance, including the vote. Several other Bible verses suggest being informed about those matters touching our life decisions---
Look at what is before your eyes.
2 Corinthians 10:7, ESV
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5, ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your
mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2, ESV
Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.
Proverbs 4:26, ESV
Be alert at all times.
Luke 21:36, ESV
Like most other significant points in life, there are many other Scriptures that affirm our Christian duty to be prepared and fully informed when we're making important decisions.
The truth about our nation is that the implications of this election are perhaps more consequential than our presidential decision in 2016. There are many vital issues that attend our vote. It's the domino effect. And, we'd better be informed about how this vote will influence so many other life issues for our citizens.
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