It's Time to Get Serious

It's time to get serious about the election.  We've lived through just over four weeks of campaigning; of promises and platforms; of election mobs and townhall meetings; of smears and bad-mouthing and put-downs.

But not it's time to get serious.  Now it's time to consider carefully who we will vote for.

So often we take for granted our freedom to vote.  In fact, some people take it so not-seriously that they choose NOT to vote.  Or, they just vote for Nancy Nuts or John Judge because they represent the party the person has always voted for.  I wonder, though, are either of those choices faithful?  If we don't do some homework--reading up on a party; attending an all-candidates meeting; listening to a debate--if we don't do some research, are we voting faithfully and thoughtfully?  And, what are we saying if we choose not to vote at all?

As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to ourselves, to others, and to this world.  We are responsible for loving God, others, and ourselves in all things and at all times--especially in election times.

In his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."  Not to deify JFK, but I can imagine Jesus saying those words also.  Don't  ask what a party or a candidate will do to help you, but what they can do to help this country, and ALL of the folks of this country.

If you are reading this post, it's likely you are living a pretty good life.  You own a computer.  You are connected to the internet.  We are a privileged people.  But, there are so many in this world--AND IN THIS COUNTRY--who are not so blessed.  Perhaps it's time for us to think about those folks when we go to the polls.

Maybe it's time for us to makes choices that benefit our abused sisters; our children who live in perpetual poverty; and our brothers caught in cycles of addiction.  Perhaps it's time for us to choose in support of families living below the poverty line; the unemployed and the underemployed.  Maybe we need to think about students over-burdened with loan payments and seniors who must use the food bank.

What would Jesus want?  I don't think Jesus would opt for us to look after ourselves; to seek decreased taxes and increased health care; or, big breaks for business at the hands of poor families.  I don't think Jesus would choose for our aboriginal brothers and sisters to continue to live as they have for the past 100 years; nor would he choose improved prisons, even as the crime rate decreases.

So, my friends, it's time to think about all those 'others' out there.  What would Jesus do--WWJD?  First of all:  consider others when choosing a candidate; and secondly, vote.

It's in your hands now.  Get out and vote.