From the Pulpit: Omaha area religious leaders share messages of faith

Just two more days and all the crazy political ads on TV, radio and media will be over, at least until the next election. This election, whether on the national or local level, has been one of the most contentious in my memory.

We are blessed to live in a country with a form of government where we elect leaders who will represent us for their term in office. We have the privilege to elect our leaders, but I believe we also have an obligation to vote. Sadly, in the 2020 election, over 30 million Christian Americans did not vote. Some Christians say, "I can't find any candidate that I agree with totally." Casting your vote as a Christian is not saying you've found someone you agree with totally, it is finding the person who will best represent your values. We must research each candidate's position and choose the one we feel will do the best job.

I like what Pastor Josh Howerton says, "Your vote is not your Valentine." Don't vote for someone because you just love their personality. Personalities can come and go but the laws they put in place can last a lifetime. Don't vote for a candidate because you love their gender, their skin color or orange hair. Vote for a candidate whose values best reflect your values.

In Matthew 12:36 Jesus tells us that we will give account on judgment day for every idle word that we speak. If this is true, and I believe it is, how about giving account for the leaders we have chosen to lead us, either by voting or not voting. Will we have to give account for leaders we have chosen who put laws in place that are contrary to scripture? Pray for our country. Lord, help us to elect leaders who reflect our values.

— Pastor Joe Laughlin, Victory Church