The 2016 Election

Almost everyone is aware that America is in the midst of a very vicious primary season. We are trying to determine who will be the standard bearers for both the Republican and Democratic parties in the coming presidential election. I realize there are a host of other contests, but the one that has received the most attention is the presidential contest.

Here is my opinion regarding this contest:  as American citizens, we have a real interest in this election. As it stands right now, it looks like Hilary Clinton will be the nominee for the Democrats unless she is indicted for her part in the email server scandal. If that is the case, then it will be the avowed Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. What a pair on the Democratic side. If things continue down the path they are going now, the nominee for the Republicans will be Donald Trump. I am not thrilled with this man being the standard bearer for the party for which I am most closely aligned.

It is my hope and prayer that the Republicans can put a better, more qualified candidate into the coming head-to-head battle for the 2016 election. I realize that Donald Trump is an accomplished businessman, yet he is crass and seemingly devoid of moral uprightness. I am appalled watching the pettiness and childishness of the Republican debates. Name calling, interrupting each other, and bullying are all part of these so-called debates.

We who live in Cleveland, Ohio, will have a front row seat to the Republican National Convention the week of July 18.

As I think about what is going on in the realm of national politics, it seems we have a real leadership void. Statesmen like Ronald Reagan are seemingly absent from the fray. I have to ask myself, why? Why are the likes of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump the kind of candidates people want?

Here is why I think the Clintons and Trumps are out in front—it is because these people represent who we are as a people. If we look in the Scripture, one of the curses people have to deal with when they distance themselves from God is poor leadership.

Think about it: the average American doesn’t really seem to care about morality and conservative values. Across the country our cities are becoming moral cesspools of iniquity and ungodly behavior. This kind of behavior has enveloped the nation. We add to that bloodshed and violence that are daily occurrences, and we have the American wasteland. Just drive down the streets of any major city and see the depths of depravity on display. Turn on your television on any given night and try to find something wholesome to watch. Most of the entertainment industry is out in left field when it comes to morals and what they think is humorous. The sexual innuendos are constant, and what we consider normal and moral is often mocked and ridiculed as being abnormal.

I told my wife the other day that we are living in the days of Lot in Sodom. Lest you think I am a negative person, I am not. I realize that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. We still see people saved and baptized at our church on a regular basis. I know there are churches across the country that are actively trying to reach their community and world, too. Yet there is a hardness, and at times, a lack of receptivity in the hearts of the general population.

From what I am seeing, regardless of who is elected as president, he will not be able to fix what ails America—only God can do that. Nevertheless, I do think that electing a principled conservative is vital to the health of our nation although it doesn’t look like that is going to happen.

I challenge you to pray for America! Pray that God will awaken this nation again to the importance of spiritual matters. Pray that God will awaken His churches to righteousness and godly living! Vote in each election. Vote godly principles and values. These are the things that will make the biggest difference in the 2016 election.