Speak Evil*

I have probably written on this before, but in an election year, it seems to be OK to say all manner of evil against a politician we don't like. Titus 3:2 "To speak evil of no man, ...." This chapter starts off telling us to be in subjection to our rulers. I felt convicted of this verse some years ago because during an election season all kinds of things get passed over the internet. And I just like so many others pass on these things without even knowing much about it. The e-mail that got my attention was one that was repeated in the next two elections - same story - a different person. I think conservatively, that is the way I am wired. I vote conservatively if I didn't, I wouldn't vote my conscience. That doesn't mean I vote for a republican every time, just most of the time. I did vote for Henry Jackson in Washington State some years back, there are probably others that I just don't remember. Currently, I try really hard not to say negatives about the guy I am not voting for. When President Obama won the last election, I immediately referred to him as my President. He did win the election in spite of my not voting for him. Even from Church pulpits, I hear this or that candidate bad-mouthed. From the same mouth procedeth blessing and cursing, this ought not to be. Even the candidate we did not vote for is made in the image of God. In a recent blog I mentioned Proverbs 21:1, God turns the King, however, he chooses. My candidate may not win, but may I never slander the leader of this great nation (put there by God). I think this type of view would really help to heal our nation. Sometimes reform starts from the bottom up. But Christians out to take heed to even scriptures like this one, Titus 3:2, especially in an election year. May we never let our guard down and strive to be Christlike in all areas of our life. "... to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to speak evil of no man, honor all men, fear God, honor the king." James 3:9-10 "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be." Like I said, I have heard evil speaking from the pulpit from Pastors, but I will say I did not hear such at CFAN in Tacoma. I could not tell you if the Lead Pastor was democrat or republican, liberal or conservative. What I did hear from that pulpit was if we are looking to Washington to fix our problems we are looking to the wrong source. Once again II Chronicles 7:14. When the Christians of this country get on their knees and pray for our political leaders, we will see God move and it will not matter who is in office. Vote your conscience and if you believe the Bible is the word of God look to the heavens / God to fix this nation, not Obama and not Romney. God is the answer - let us as Christians model Christianity even in an election year. In our speech, our facebook, e-mails, etc. We can stand for what we believe without resorting to slander, evil speaking. Help me God to do so myself, because I do get aggravated at some of what I read. God bless, LVZ.