Election Day Advice from John Wesley

 
“For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-14)

Next Tuesday (November 3) is Election Day here in the United States, and as registered voters head to the polls to cast our ballot, we would do well to remember the words of wisdom from John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in what he wrote to his fellow Methodists in the 1774 British Parliamentary elections:

“I met those of our [Methodist] Society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them,…

1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy;

2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; And…

3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.”

            [--From John Wesley’s Journal, October 6, 1774]

In today’s politically-charged culture, Wesley’s words are certainly ones we as followers of Christ should heed.  Whoever you vote for, remember that in the end, God is still on the throne, and that His ultimate plans can be neither improved upon nor thwarted by any human leader.

So, pray for our nation, for our candidates, for the eventual elected officials, and for we who are voters. Pray that not only would our leaders be Godly in their leadership, but that we would all allow God to lead us in our daily lives, as well.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!