How do we make choices?

The coming election has me thinking about how we make choices. Actually, the question is more complicated than is seems. All choices are not equal. The consequences of those choices are also not equal. Therefore, the ways we go about making those choices are not equal. In fact, we can get into trouble when we make more important choices the same way we make less important choices.

We elect our leaders by popular vote. Hopefully, we all examine the candidates and vote for the person we think will do the best job. However, we do not all have the same criteria for leadership, the same convictions about the issues, or even the same information about the candidates themselves. There is always the possibility that your vote will be negated by some knucklehead who forgot his glasses and checks the boxes at random. That is why you need to vote. That is also why you need to pray. You can only vote once but you can pray early and often.

Popular vote may be how we elect leaders but it is not a good way to make personal decisions. I mentioned some factors for voting being criteria, convictions, and candidates. Some people seem to choose their criteria based on popular opinion. Some issues are not up for popular vote. God’s Word has not changed, and if you base your opinions on God’s word you should be careful about listening to polls. Many polls are taken not to inform your vote but to influence your vote in a particular direction. God also wants to influence you in a particular direction. He can be trusted.

Your morals are not up for a vote. It may make you feel better for a time if what you are doing is supported by everyone around you. God’s Word is not only the only rule for our lives but God is also the final judge. We can count the votes and please everyone around us, and miss the point of life entirely. The only vote that counts eternally is the one God cast for you, not at a poll, but on a Cross.

There is a teaching in Christianity called the doctrine of Election. The most important election of all comes down to this, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Bro. Robin