Judgement!

It is time to vote, but
how can we do that without being judgemental?

Doesn't voting mean I have to make a judgment? Sure does.

Well shouldn't I feel guilty for having the audacity to judge? NO!

Wow we Christians miss the point so often. OK let's break it down. God would not give us the awesome privilege of voting for our leaders if he didn't want us to make informed decisions about who would be better for leading.

Is it ok to use my Christianity and belief in God when making my decision. YES!

Our relationship to God gives us our world view, we would be foolish not to take that into account. Do your duty, make an informed decision and cast a ballot.

What about the separation of church and state?

That is all about the Government not impeding your right to worship. There was never an intention of the founding fathers to say; "We made this experiment in democracy because of religious persecution across the pond, but when you vote, check your beliefs at the door."

But that is not the judgment we are supposed to avoid. The kinds of judgement we should beware of is the assumption of unspoken motive, or the placement of the eternal soul, these are the judgments that we have not only no ability to know, but no authority to pronounce.

So how does that look exactly?

Well first, it is OK to believe that what you believe is right.

As a matter of fact it is good to believe that your thoughtful, prayerful, time of seeking God's truth and wisdom has not left you completely ignorant.
Where we get into trouble is when we say that anyone who doesn't vote the way I do or think the way I do is ignorant or stupid, not a Christian, or is on their way to eternal damnation. It could simply be that God is not finished dealing with them or me yet, and by the way, he may allow them to vote differently because he wants to teach them, or me something.

OK, so how do I co-exist with someone who I disagree with?

Should I be quiet about my opinion?

Rather than being quiet, be sensitive to God and the other people you might discuss things with. Cover your thoughts and feelings with Gods grace and love.
If the other person is not able to be as graceful as you are in discussing these things then love them more and be sensitive to their feelings and positions your opinion is not dependant on anyone elses approval.

Know that some people don't have a sense of humor when it comes to these issues, on the other hand humor can come in very handy when discussing with some on the other side of issues.

As far as elections go there are many verses in the bible that talk about God being in control, the heart of the king is in the hand of God, God places the rulers on the throne etc. etc. So know that God is in control. That doesn't mean that God won't put a corrupt politician in charge. Remember lots of those kings God placed on the thrones beheaded Christians. But that is not the point. The point is God will place the person on the throne that he needs to accomplish his plan. So whether God chooses a person who is good or bad is irrelevant. Our responsibility is to serve God, and love people no matter what the circumstances are.

So in closing; generally a political or religious position that is opposite of yours is not a threat to you, and it is not your responsibility in most cases to correct. Remember you are responsible to people not for people. You are called to love the other person regardless of their handicaps, race, views, and positions. Open healthy dialogue where possible. Be eager to listen for the positions and arguments that you hadn't thought of. Never be dismissive of another person, that implies pious judgement toward them. Pray for those you disagree with, nothing changes our heart toward someone more than praying for them and constantly pray for humility, wisdom and peace. The bible says "They will know we are Christians by our love." That doesn't mean we will always agree, as a matter of fact, it is easy to love those we agree with, it is loving those we disagree with that really sets us apart.