Undecided

It’s interesting how innocuous words can conjure up extreme emotions in folks one day and be just run of the mill words the next.  Undecided is one of those words right now.  A little under two weeks from now we will all proudly wear our “I Voted” stickers because everyone wants their voice/vote to be heard in this Presidential election.  The candidates are tirelessly working to reach every one of those undecided voters.   I see on the internet everyday the most contentious posts on Facebook.  I guess it gets heated every four years, but never before have we all had such quick and easy access to places we can blast our opinions.  One of the things that makes America truly great is our freedom to speak our minds without fear of retaliation by the government.  I am not suggesting that freedom should not be exercised, but I am suggesting people consider using slightly more tact and consideration.  A friend of mine on Facebook actually went so far as to tell everyone who was not voting for Romney to go ahead and de-friend him.  I think another thing that makes this country really great is our desire to be inclusive and non-judgmental of someone based on their religion, race, gender…  I would think political affiliation would fall in there as well.

This election I find myself in a different emotional and spiritual place than before.  I want to know that I am voting for the person God wants me to vote for!  I have spent a lot of time praying for the right answer, asking for a sign, doing my research, talking to friends and family I respect on the issues.  I have even read all those rants on Facebook trying to glean out anything that might be noteworthy.  I have a hunch God would want a person who is driven to help the poor (he does mention them in 2,100 verses of scripture in the Bible!) and I also have a hunch he would want a person with a goal to only use force/war when it is the last option.  What about the death penalty – that sure does seem like it should be left up to God.  I have no question how God feels about abortion.  I would think he is concerned about the Earth he created for us and would prefer a leader who wants to exercise control over its use and abuse.  I have spent time on the websites for both candidates and I have looked at how they spend their personal money (because as we read in Matthew 6:21 – where your treasure is, there will your heart be also).  Are we not called to be our brother’s keeper?  I know there are a lot of legitimate complaints about the rampant misuse of government assistance, but there is also rampant need.  Do we penalize everyone doing the right thing because of those who aren’t?

So, I find myself undecided with not much time left.   There are arguments (in my head at least) to support the platforms on both sides.  I am not worried about fitting in, or doing what my family is doing, or even what will be most profitable for me personally.  More than anything I just want my vote to be pleasing to God.