I Didn't Vote Just Because

After carefully considering the cost as a married African American male Christian, I chose not to vote in the recent historical presidential election which also provoked me to publish my first blog. As an African American, I understand, celebrate and genuinely appreciate the social significance of an African American man obtaining the highest office in our country thus overcoming years of racial injustice due to slavery, stereo typing/profiling and murder of innocent people. It is also my prayer that Barack Obama’s election will not only open doors of opportunity for African Americans in other once thought unattainable leadership positions but also motivate a change in thinking to inspire individual accountability towards improving the content of character regarding the importance of education, marriage, fatherhood and leadership that he models well.

I am well aware personally and educationally that voting is a right and a privilege that many women and people of color suffered, sacrificed and fought for me to get. However, when it came down to the moral and ethical record and proposed polices of both candidates I just couldn’t go with any promising wind of doctrine the candidates proclaimed especially after first being asked about my opinion this past year by female elders in my family just because on candidate was Black. Though, their legitimate arguments and emotional appeal for their candidate was appreciated, their response to my lack of quick agreement with them really challenged my non-voting conviction and personal decision making that provoked me in prayer, Bible study and dialogue with others regarding the role and responsibility of Christians and government.

This also got me to thinking how many “just because” votes did either candidate get due to being, a Democrat, A Republican, black, white, being a Christian in name or in deed just to name a few. With my right to vote or not, I needed to weigh the empowerment to my self esteem and my race due to the possible historical significance and the promise of change to some policies against the truth of God’s Word to be salt and light in making a difference of preventing further Spiritual, moral and ethical decay in this Country. If people suffered and died for my right to vote in America, then what did Jesus die for?

With that being said, these are my thoughts according to His Word. I would be interested in hearing from you if either candidate's political issues conflicted morally with your Biblical principles. There are also articles in which I give further details and Biblical insight on this topic in my most recent Spiritual Connection articles called, “Just Because” and "Just Because, Now What?". Also there is a poll about this topic for you to participate in if you would like on located at the N1Achord Ministries Website.

Peace & God Bless - Pastor Patrick Brandon, N1Achord Ministries