Do you VOTE? Why or why not?

[aribell]

Please take the poll. And lets discuss: Is voting pointless? Is it a duty? And if all the candidates are flawed, does that make the whole endeavor vain?

How does your church approach elections?

 

[LucieLoo12]

I wish I could have had a 2 choices, but I picked if they had the right person. But since I've been saved, I havent voted..dont stone me. I just never felt like it was anyone that I truly liked. No one ever showed me Christian beliefs. Noticed I said "showed" because they all say they Christian, then it comes out they cheating on their wives, or really muslim or caught smoking marijuanna or whatever the case may be. But if it was a person I felt was worthy I would. Im not just going to vote for anyone to just say I voted.

Also, at the end of the day my life is in the hand of God. Presidents and Congressman man rule the world of some but thet dont dont rule mine. Thats the problem now, people look too much to much, they forget about the power that God has. And thats idolatry. The bible says to pray for them in authority and I do.

Nothing wrong with voting at all, but Im careful about that...

People say "if you dont vote, you cant complain"...and well you right, I dont complain....I pray.

 

[makeupgirl]

I don't vote until the presidental elections and even then, I'm like what's the point because no matter what, it's not my decision who because president. I know our people say, "people died so you can vote", I never asked for anyone to do that (ok I wasn't born in that time period, where it was the upmost important) but that doesn't stop me from doing what the Lord has laid on my heart to do. Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the whole world so that we can be reconciled back to God. However, people can careless about that and that is more important than anything in this world. So the way I see it is, this world is not my home, I'm just passing by and my home is in heaven with Christ. I'm just a longsuffering visitor. If he tells me to vote this year, then I will but until then, I won't do it. I didn't feel comfortable doing it last time around but Obama was the lesser of two evils but I felt pressure from others into doing it. This year, I don't care what others think or feel about my decision. I live for Christ and to please him and I refuse to be bullied or pressured into voting.

 

[aribell]

People say "if you dont vote, you cant complain"...and well you right, I dont complain....I pray.

This is great. I was thinking something similar yesterday. People can put a lot of emphasis on influencing our society through the political process, but none of that holds a candle to what the Lord can do if He chooses to do so. The king's heart is in the Lord's hands.

I know our people say, "people died so you can vote", I never asked for anyone to do that (ok I wasn't born in that time period, where it was the upmost important) but that doesn't stop me from doing what the Lord has laid on my heart to do.

I was also thinking about that--the fact that people died for this right. I've definitely wondered whether we are tempted to take these liberties for granted (just being able to type freely about Christ and the Gospel for example).

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

We are about to have elections here also and I waited until the last minute to be registered, (I registered last night)...

the same is is said here, if you don't vote you have no say, do you know what our forefathers had to go trough for you to have the right...


But our nation is still in a mess, I'll be praying about it and if I led to vote I will if not, then I wont ...I'm of another kingdom and the more I look around this is becoming abundantly clear, if those who are in charge were followers of Christ our country would be better...

 

[Shimmie]

Yes and I hope and pray that I never take this honour for granted.

And it's not the candidates that I give any homage to as this country's legislation has literally gone to the dogs.

However, my blood bought freedom to vote still allows me to rally and support the causes that i believe in and to be able to go before the General Assembly and speak for/against legislations that will have an impact or an effect upon my life and upon my freedom of faith and protecting my faith.

i can remember how my family took voting seriously. My parents and my aunts, uncles, grandparents would get dressed as if they were going to Church or to a business meeting. They looked refined and respectable. They knew the price that had been paid for them to be able to go to the voting centers without being cursed, shot or arrested for taking part in our government's direction.

It's by their example and knowing our history that I refuse to waste this gift of having my 'say' in the elections, by voting. Even when I'm not in favour of either leading candidate, there are still causes and other legislations to vote upon that affect each state and county jurisdiction. I'll read the elections docket, research the issues determine how it will affect my life, my faith, ask God for wisdom and guidance and then I let my voice be 'heard'. I refuse to 'sit out' and just let things happen.

 

[Renewed1]

I vote because too many blacks/women FOUGHT for us to have a right for our voice to be heard.

Irregardless of who the candidates are, if you are republican, democrat , independent, Christian or not. I believe at a minimum blacks and every women should vote.

Even if you don't like whose running for Presidency, fine, but you can vote for what bills should be pass, the senate/representatives, judges, etc.

Sorry for sounding preachy, but I grew up with people who wouldn't vote; but has the audacity to complain about the state of the economy.

 

[Renewed1]

I was also thinking about that--the fact that people died for this right. I've definitely wondered whether we are tempted to take these liberties for granted (just being able to type freely about Christ and the Gospel for example).

I believe people are taking these liberties for granted. No, none of us were there during the marches, (both blacks and women) had to endure the hardship they had to go through for us to have a right to vote.

But I tell people, they ARE our FOUNDATIONS they are our history. We should show honor/respect for what they did for us to have our voice today.

 

[diadall]

I vote.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using SGH-T959V

 

[Shimmie]

I believe people are taking these liberties for granted. No, none of us were there during the marches, (both blacks and women) had to endure the hardship they had to go through for us to have a right to vote.

But I tell people, they ARE our FOUNDATIONS they are our history. We should show honor/respect for what they did for us to have our voice today.

Good Word Good Word

Were it not for the ones who 'Marched', Were it not for the ones who protested, Were it not for the ones who stood before the guns and the whips and the slayings, and I'm taking this back all the way to the plantations, then we'd all still be in chains, working the fields, killed for learning to read and count, and dare I say, they'd cut off the fingers of those caught or suspected of 'typing' on a keyboard.

One of the saddest things is not recognizing the price of blood that was paid by those before us who wanted better, and not just for themselves, but for their children and for the generations ahead to live free and priviledged as any other human being. Those before us, heard the cries of the future, to be set free and they answered with their determination to 'ride or die' and die many of them did.

I will not disgrace my ancestors; I will not spit upon their sacrifices; I will not give the side eye to their shattered graves covered in dirt without the love of roses to grace them. Someone before me, protected me from the shame and the pain to gain access to the rights that whites said we could not share with them. Not only do we now have the right to vote, but 'we' are being voted for, rallied by whites as we sit beside them in the seats of congress.

As ashamed as I am of President Obama, the fact still remains that he is there because of those before us, who fought the battle for us and won, to make this possible for a Black man to be President of this country.

There are seats and places waiting in congress for the Black Americans who will do justly and will give honour unto God with the right decisions and honourable leadership; those who will take a Godly stand against foolishness and sin and reverse the curse that has been voted upon by the current and previous leaders .

The right to vote is power... God gave us this right through the humans who died for it. What a waste to let it be looked upon as 'optional'.

 

[BostonMaria]

I became a citizen in 2006 and I've been voting ever since.

I have no idea who I am voting for this year. I could take the easy way out and not vote at all, but I know that's not the smart thing to do.

 

[LucieLoo12]

And Christ died for us, and people still not living for Him..so whats their point? People just be saying stuff..

. I know our people say, "people died so you can vote",

 

[Shimmie]

And Christ died for us, and people still not living for Him..so whats their point? People just be saying stuff..

Southern trees bear a strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant South,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh!

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop.

I hear you, Love. No one's death can ever be compared to the death of Jesus Christ our Lord and indeed our Saviour who died the ultimate death for us to give us the ultimate of life.

It was God who gave the life and breath to our ancestors who refused to be treated any less than human. As God chose Moses, Joshua and many others to lead His children out of bondage, slavery, he chose those to open the path in which we now live, free to do as we please.

They died for what we now live; the freedoms they never knew, but fought and yes, they died for, we have those freedoms. It's their blood that we sit upon when we ride the front of the bus or train; eat in the finer restaurants, live in the finer homes and neighborhoods, ride and drive in the finer cars.

Yes, there's still racism, but it hasn't stopped us. For we are still armed with the God given freedom and courage that our fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters before us handed over for us to keep the legacy of our heritage alive.

Martin died... how many more?

For our voting rights, the people marched, they fought, they were hosed down like animals, attacked by dogs...

In early 1965, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) made Selma, Alabama, the focus of its efforts to register black voters in the South.

That March, protesters attempting to march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery were met with violent resistance by state and local authorities.

As the world watched, the protesters (under the protection of federalized National Guard troops) finally achieved their goal, walking around the clock for three days to reach Montgomery.

The historic march, and King's participation in it, greatly helped raise awareness of the difficulty faced by black voters in the South, and the need for a Voting Rights Act, passed later that year.

http://www.history.com/topics/selma-montgomery-march

None of these people are Jesus, they could never make the measure. Yet they marched in His Name for a just cause... the future of 'Us'.

 

[LucieLoo12]

I never said I didnt vote, I stated in my first post that if I seen someone worthy, I would vote, but I'm not just gone vote to say I voted. I have not seen anyone as of now that I could see myself voting for.

 

[Shimmie]

I never said I didnt vote, I stated in my first post that if I seen someone worthy, I would vote, but I'm not just gone vote to say I voted. I have not seen anyone as of now that I could see myself voting for.

I agree, I'm not for any of the presidential candidates and it's grieving. Both parties are a deep disappointment.

But I'm still going to the polls. There are a lot of issues that will have an affect that need my input. There are judges seeking to remain on the benches that do not belong there. Legislators and the like.

The issues of gay marriage will be an issue in many states, if it's on the ballot, I'm making it my business to be there to vote NO. That's power, to say 'no' to something that displeases God.

Each time I go to the polls, I'm standing there as a citizen with rights no less than anyone else standing in line. The voting station where I live are predominantly white and / or Jewish. They're no better than me; however my right to be there has a higher calling as both a Child of God, first and as a Black American with a stronger voice.

Alicia, check this out. Would you believe that folks are still blaming the African American community for the failure of support for gay marriage?

I have to wonder though...

Is it because we're not voting at all?

Or is it because we're voting against it?

Praise God ...


Love you much Angel.

 

[makeupgirl]

And Christ died for us, and people still not living for Him..so whats their point? People just be saying stuff..

This is exactly my response whenever, that question is given to me.

Alike minds think alike.

 

[makeupgirl]

I agree, I'm not for any of the presidential candidates and it's grieving. Both parties are a deep disappointment.

But I'm still going to the polls. There are a lot of issues that will have an affect that need my input. There are judges seeking to remain on the benches that do not belong there. Legislators and the like.

The issues of gay marriage will be an issue in many states, if it's on the ballot, I'm making it my business to be there to vote NO. That's power, to say 'no' to something that displeases God.

Each time I go to the polls, I'm standing there as a citizen with rights no less than anyone else standing in line. The voting station where I live are predominantly white and / or Jewish. They're no better than me; however my right to be there has a higher calling as both a Child of God, first and as a Black American with a stronger voice.

Alicia, check this out. Would you believe that folks are still blaming the African American community for the failure of support for gay marriage?

I have to wonder though...

Is it because we're not voting at all?

Or is it because we're voting against it?

Praise God ...


Love you much Angel.

I get what you're saying Ms. Shimmie. I know for me, I had a lot of conflict the last presidental election about who I was going to vote for. I'm not a political person, because it's just not interesting to me, so I wasn't paying close attention. Not because I didn't care, I'm just not interested in political matters, even when it does pertain to our country (sad but true). The last election was like wow, let's just say, I've seen friendships, lots of arguments in 2008 about why we needed to vote for Obama and the reasons why was mostly because history needed to be made, because he is black, and because it's the right thing to do. (seriously these where the reasons given) And while Obama has made a lot of changes and stuff that Bush was unable to do and I have warmed up to him vs how I felt the 1st 2 years of his term. I know that I had the intuition and feelings I had for a reason. I'm not the only one that did too. My Pastor and associate minister had the exact same concerns that something wasn't right with Obama but we all agreed that he was the lesser of 2 evils so to speak (My Pastor just didn't vote at all). I have no idea who is running against Obama this year and I'm not saying that I'm not going to vote and as much as I appreciate our ancestors dying for us so we can vote, if the Holy Spirit doesn't lead me to vote this year, I have to listen to him out of obedience and trust that it's a reason why I wasn't able to vote (if it's the Lord's will that is).

All I know is that whatever happens and who ever becomes our next President, it's not going to stop what is meant to happen prophecy wise. The signs of the world ending is among us and for the last 2 years, it's been stronger than ever that something strange is about to go down.

Voting this year is just something I'll have to stay in prayer about.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

I vote. I'm discouraged of course by the nonsense I see with politicians, and I'm not talking about infidelity. What I find ironic is that so many racists vote racists into office because many racists run on a Christianity type of campaign.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

You can pray AND vote.


Based on what I read in your posts, it seems like you spend too much time trying to find flaws in others that you feel can be used to say thy are not living a Godly life. You seem to enjoy talking about the damnation aspect of our walk with God. I think that is a very limited view and can cause people to miss out on blessings. None of the politicians are perfect. I don't understand why people are still insisting that Obama is Muslim. But what I do know is that despite flaws, there are some good politicians who want to make the changes we should see. I vote but I pray to God that HE will do what needs to be done. Sometimes that will mean he uses our elected officials.

Choosing not to vote is a personal decision of course but I won't lie and say Im not bothered when I see people using Christianity as their main basis for that.

I wish I could have had a 2 choices, but I picked if they had the right person. But since I've been saved, I havent voted..dont stone me. I just never felt like it was anyone that I truly liked. No one ever showed me Christian beliefs. Noticed I said "showed" because they all say they Christian, then it comes out they cheating on their wives, or really muslim or caught smoking marijuanna or whatever the case may be. But if it was a person I felt was worthy I would. Im not just going to vote for anyone to just say I voted.

Also, at the end of the day my life is in the hand of God. Presidents and Congressman man rule the world of some but thet dont dont rule mine. Thats the problem now, people look too much to much, they forget about the power that God has. And thats idolatry. The bible says to pray for them in authority and I do.

Nothing wrong with voting at all, but Im careful about that...

People say "if you dont vote, you cant complain"...and well you right, I dont complain....I pray.

 

[Shimmie]

I pray that my post doesn't offend anyone. Truly it is not my intent. There isn't a member who is a part of our forum that I do not care about and I indeed respect you.

As a Church we simply have to wake up and take charge of what's happening in our government. Otherwise the government will surely take charge of us. Then what?

If nothing more, Christians need to learn politics. There is absolutely no excuse to be unware of it and how it works, inside and out. Politics affects all of our lives, our families, our income, how/where we live, and our rights to live our faith.

The Rights to Our Faith, is all the more reason for every Christian who is well and able to be at the polls to protect our rights to live as Christians and to remain free to stand upon our principles. We cannot 'hide' behind the veils of deception that it doesn't matter. It matters more than we think.

If we don't vote, than the devil definitely has others voting in our place for issues which are against us. The Word of God is clear,

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

How did gay marriage get so much wind and attention. While Christians Folks were 'talking' and 'gasping' and clutching their pearls about it, the gays were up front and behind the scenes garnering their allies to help push them forward.

THIS CONTRIBUTES TO PART OF THE PROPHESCY God speaks of, the Church who sat back and did nothing to make themselves known to the legislators that they were not going to allow disorders in our system to happen.

We're in this earth realm which God owns, of which He told US to have dominion over, not the world! Jesus told US to 'occupy until He comes, not let the world take over, especially not to allow the world to dictate to US what will and will not be.

Legislators listen to one sound, a vote for them, They yield to the majority of gaining the most votes that will keep them employed and getting a pay check along with all of the other perks that come from the money of hard working tax payers.

As God is my witness... I refuse to allow my family and loved ones to suffer because of what someone else is not doing what they should be doing. I can stand before God and say that I voted against it, that I rallied against it and I stood upon the ground of my faith which does not support the foolishness of man and his sinful ways.

Voting is not just about who's running for president, governor, mayor, senator, etc., it's still about the issues in legislation which affect our lives.

How can we even dare to complain about the wrongs of gay marriage, gay churches, preachers who exploit their congregations, and not do something about it, by making our voices heard with the right to vote.

Right now in our Churches there are members with sons and daughters who have unjustly been sent to prison for something that they did not do. If nothing more, they've been jailed for being Black.

Who voted in the judges? Who voted for the states attorneys who committed them to jail?

We have to find out what judges, and states attorneys are currently in office and what their records are in sentencing and convictions. They need to be voted out!

In all the years I've been Saved and in the Church, I shake my head, I just shake my head at the things we complain about and then do nothing about it. And I definitely include myself. Most definitely I include myself.

If we don't like a candidate, then we have the power to garner and support one who wlll be worth voting for. When do we shut the door to the snakes already there?

If I didn't care, I turn around and walk away....

 

[Shimmie]

................................

 

[Shimmie]

You can pray AND vote.

Choosing not to vote is a personal decision of course but I won't lie and say Im not bothered when I see people using Christianity as their main basis for that.

Alicia means well and her heart is pure.

And so is yours. I you both.

By All Means, Yes, we can pray AND vote....

As for the candidates, Father which one or ones will serve your purpose and will yield to the prayers of the saints? Who indeed do we say yes to? Where do I place the 'gift' of my vote. And my vote is indeed a gift. A gift unto me and unto the person and/or issues I vote for.

 

[mystiquak]

Hmmmm...I personally feel it is not about who we vote for but who God considers He wants in office to fulfill prophecy. Everything that is going to happen has already been planned out. There is an "elite" group of people behind the "men" that are running for office. We are not working against flesh but spiritually wicked powers that are beyond this earthly realm. Although I have voted in the past, now I pray and ask God what He wants me to vote on or who to vote for. If I am led not to vote then I don't...in which I don't complain I only see it as God gives us what we deserve when we don't follow Him and turn away from our Father. Our mission as the church (which is the body of Christ) is to go forth and preach/teach the Word of God and bring people to Christ. Yes, we may have so called rights now (although it really was a way to keep us at bay because our votes really don't count...google the true spirit behind the anti-christ and illuminati / nephilim spirits and our U.S. Government) but trust that there will be a day when those rights will be taken away and the only way we will be able to do anything, including vote, is if we take the mark of the beast. My sisters I say this because I have prayed and was seeking Him for Truth and nothing but the Truth! If you noticed that when you read the New Testament it talks a lot about deception and do not be deceived. I personally feel that we as the Body of Christ need to focus more on living for Christ and getting our people prepared for the coming war and persecution against the Body of Christ that will be brought on by the members of our US government. The Word of God speaks about these times and they will come to pass whether we vote or not. Now as far as standing up for what I believe in (pro-life, anti-same sex unions because a marriage is between a MAN and a WOMAN etc) yes! I try my best to speak out against it and have learned (the hard way) that if a person is willing to receive they will if not...all I can do is pray. Give the facts (the Word) and leave it alone. So saying all that to say this one thing...why vote for the lesser of two evils instead of not voting for either one at all? I know people that will vote against amendments that are anti-christ in nature but leave the political candidates blank that are not leading a Holy life! LOL LOL LOL

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

Jesus is gonna come before we get a Christian enough candidate. I vote because it is my right.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[JeterCrazed]

I wish I could have had a 2 choices, but I picked if they had the right person. But since I've been saved, I havent voted..dont stone me. I just never felt like it was anyone that I truly liked. No one ever showed me Christian beliefs. Noticed I said "showed" because they all say they Christian, then it comes out they cheating on their wives, or really muslim or caught smoking marijuanna or whatever the case may be. But if it was a person I felt was worthy I would. Im not just going to vote for anyone to just say I voted.

Also, at the end of the day my life is in the hand of God. Presidents and Congressman man rule the world of some but thet dont dont rule mine. Thats the problem now, people look too much to much, they forget about the power that God has. And thats idolatry. The bible says to pray for them in authority and I do.

Nothing wrong with voting at all, but Im careful about that...

People say "if you dont vote, you cant complain"...and well you right, I dont complain....I pray.

Alicialynn86, you know, you don't have to vote for the person on the ballot. You can pencil a person in. It's better than not voting because you as an (insert race, demographic etc) (wo)man will be counted as a vote and sway candidates to attend your needs. If they see 80% of black women voting, but only 50% of the Democrats and Republicans combined getting that vote, it will be the utmost interest to get those votes. Voting is powerful.

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

A couple weekends ago I visited the MLK memorial in Atlanta for the first time...There is just NO WAY I could never vote....My heart was so heavy and worn just by looking at the videos of the hate African Americans endured just because they wanted something such as equal rights, and the right to vote, better working conditions for the poor, etc......

It just reconfirmed my belief that no matter what, I need to vote my conscience...That may be different from someone else's and thats okay, its MY vote...But I just cannot..NOT vote...I understand some people vote their religion, and that's okay too, but I feel for African Americans, we have a bigger reason to vote more than any other population in this country. If you do not agree, just take a visit to the MLK memorial and at least SEE the horrible injustices they experienced for wanting to vote, and for wanting the FUTURE generations (that'll be US ya'll) to have that right.

 

[Shimmie]

A couple weekends ago I visited the MLK memorial in Atlanta for the first time...There is just NO WAY I could never vote....My heart was so heavy and worn just by looking at the videos of the hate African Americans endured just because they wanted something such as equal rights, and the right to vote, better working conditions for the poor, etc......

It just reconfirmed my belief that no matter what, I need to vote my conscience...That may be different from someone else's and thats okay, its MY vote...But I just cannot..NOT vote...I understand some people vote their religion, and that's okay too, but I feel for African Americans, we have a bigger reason to vote more than any other population in this country. If you do not agree, just take a visit to the MLK memorial and at least SEE the horrible injustices they experienced for wanting to vote, and for wanting the FUTURE generations (that'll be US ya'll) to have that right.

Just listening to what my parents went through... I have to vote. I will not be silent. All the more what MLK and the bravery and sacrafice that others went through to fight for our freedom... I'm voting. I have a voice and it is going to be heard, the price was too heavy.

Heavier than Jesus for my sins ? NOT by any means above Jesus ... Yet the weight has to be appreciated what our ancestors went through.

I thank God for them and voting is the ultimate way of saying thank you for God's grace and for them not putting God's Grace to Waste.