Prayer Journal
Thursday, November 9, 2000
For the election of a new president, citizens of the United States have turned out in record number to vote for the candidate of their choice. The difference in the count between two men is very close. So close, in fact, that some votes are being recounted to insure the integrity of the numbers. Already there are rumors of voting fraud, intimidation, confusion and every other excuse to deny the fact someone has to lose. Amazingly, this election will be decided by the narrowest percentage in history.
It's said that a crisis brings out the best and worse in people. Yesterday,we saw the best come out as John Ashcroft made a statement regarding his loss in a Senate race against the late Gov. Mel Carnahan. Legally, Mr. Ashcroft has good grounds for challenging the results of the election. However, he declared that he will not take part in any legal action and will discourage others from doing so.
I also heard a radio address yesterday where Mr. Ashcroft said, "I hope the outcome of this election is a comfort to Mrs. Carnahan. Missouri is a compassionate state and, I think, in a very special way, they have demonstrated their compassion. All of us would gladly take a defeat if it meant we could have the governor back.''
Mr. Ashcroft also answered a question concerning his "responsibility" to challenge the outcome of the election, both on the basis of possible fraud and violation of the law. He replied that no election is so important that it dictates that kind of action.
I've searched the Internet this morning to find Ashcroft's exact words, but I can't find it. On the other hand, from the west to the east coast we are hearing reports of the worst in man rising to the surface as other people are whining, pouting and complaining about their loss. Newspapers print junk, television reports it and callers to radio shows are shouting it. It seems that many see an election loss as justification for displaying the worst side of their character.
I am thankful that God's Word gives us a clear understanding of our responsibility as citizens: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." 1 Peter 2:13-17
I bet you
didn't know the media was mentioned in Scripture before reading the description,
"the ignorant talk of foolish men".
Wouldn't it be great if our holy lives would give the media nothing to
talk about?
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
