Interpreting life is a significant personal discipline. It is especially perplexing when culture and society move in so many directions. Navigating the information age, or exponential times, as some experts define it, thrusts us into the new world of velocity, complexity, and anonymity. All of us must make decisions, take actions, lead our families, work, worship, shop, and even play in an overload of information. Our personal values, beliefs, opinions, and point of view are decisive factors at every intersection. They are our worldview, the lens through which we decipher what is happening around us. This basic orientation should inform our vote as well. What we believe must accompany us into the voting booth. And, our worldview should guide us in interpreting the political mess that will surround us until November 3.
So, you may have noticed the candidate advertisements already bombarding our media sources. If we can believe the pundits this may be the most critical election in modern history. What is more, they predict the hype will be louder, more flamboyant, and divisive. Sorting through the claims, promises, accusations, dirt, and political jabs will test us all to some degree. Discerning fact from fiction and truth from fantasy will require advanced levels of understanding and awareness. Let's not forget that we live in the era of fake news. Misinformation can be a most confusing element in our decision making. We must guard against it by being prepared.
Knowing what we believe and value can guide us as we interpret and resist the hype of election 2020. Observing the political parties and candidates is, of course, one important focal point in our election decisions. Knowing where they stand on matters, however, is not the baseline for wise voters. Knowing where we stand is more foundational. And, this year, the issues are numerous and complex, requiring me to consult my worldview in the broadest possible way. This worldview should govern life at very turn---how and where I shop, my entertainment choices, the welfare of my family, my personal money management preferences, the church I attend, the people I embrace, and yes, the vote I cast, to mention a selected few.
It's a critical debate point for me. I've read published articles, social media posts, church bulletins and newsletters, and a few books on the place of faith in politics. Pastors and church leaders are warned often to resist making political comments from the pulpit or influencing their church family with anything remotely political. One well known pulpit-master told his congregation to leave their faith in the car when they went to the polling place. Give me a break! Christian discipleship is about developing the character of Christ in the fellowship of believers. That character is actively lived beyond the walls of the church in every aspect of life, including the voting booth. To leave my faith in the car in any circumstance violates it's meaning for life.
Making decisions is about adhering to the precepts of our personal belief system. We need to know what we believe and apply those beliefs to life at every turn. There are many websites that can assist in discovering our personal values and beliefs. Click here for the Ligonier Ministries worldview summary, an excellent source for brief reference.
Scripture advises faith to be our guide in every life pursuit. Here's a small sample ---
Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should
choose.
Psalm 25: 12, ESV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my
eye upon you.
Psalm 32: 8, ESV
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3: 6, ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7, ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11: 6, ESV
That date is November 3, 2020. It truly is worldview time, again.
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