I will admit from the beginning that I ramble quite a bit here, but please read to the end before making a judgment. I, like many Americans, have been watching with keen interest the politicians as they debate and argue over the issue as to who would best serve the American people as POTUS. We have listened to their rhetoric, their raw and vicious verbal assaults on each other, and their over-blown promises of all they would accomplish if they were given the privilege to serve our nation. So, what is the answer?

I don’t claim to have THE answer, but I would like to make a few observations. I believe that what we are witnessing in this presidential election process is the graphic portrait of a nation void any spiritual moorings. I am reminded of the many times in the Old Testament in which God would allow His own chosen people, Israel, to suffer dire consequences for their rejection of God as their Supreme Ruler.

Now I know – I can hear those who would say, “We are not Israel, so don’t start using that analogy. It just doesn’t work.” Or others who would interject, “Religion has no place in politics, and politics doesn’t need religion.” Still others might contend, “Let’s leave that church talk in the church – we have more important things to discuss.”

However, I would contend that the most important thing to discuss has been pretty much swept under the rug. I am not referring to the religious aspect of our nation, but rather to the spiritual aspect. Some would say that there is no difference, and that it is only a matter of semantics. But I would deny that assertion vehemently. I will be the first to concur that religion has, many times in the past, in this nation as well as others, caused irreparable harm. Religion has caused wars, and continues to do so to this very day. What is the war on terror other than a war against a radical form of religion, Jihadist Islam in all its varied forms. Religion has been one of the most destructive forces in the entire history of the world.

But, I am not talking about the absence of religion, I am rather talking about the absence of true spirituality, which is based, not on religion, but on a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Allah commands his followers to kill anyone and everyone who does not agree with Islam. Jesus did not come to kill, but to be killed, to give His life as the sacrifice demanded by His Father which would secure salvation for those who would turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Now, back to the subject at hand. What does this have to do with the United States of America, and specifically with this presidential election? It only takes a quick review of history to see that this nation was founded on the principles of Scripture. Many of our founders embraced Christianity, and even those who did not gave testimony to their belief that this nation would only survive as long is as it is governed by those who embrace Biblical principle. Thus, when we do as Israel did, turn our backs on God and His Word, then we open ourselves up to experience the same type of consequences as did Israel of old.

And what exactly did that look like? Simple, God gave them over to themselves! He would strive with them for a time, calling them to repentance and spiritual restoration. When they refused to return to God, He would give them over to their desires. That is exactly what we see happening in our nation. God has given us over to our desires. And what are those desires?

A large segment of our society wants to live on hand-outs from the government. They refuse to work, while expecting the government to provide everything they need. And where does the government get the funds to pay for those who refuse to work? You got it! From those Americans who DO work, and pay their taxes, and live peaceable lives. There is a Biblical principle which speaks clearly and forcefully to that mentality: Paul says that if a man does not work, he should not eat. Pretty clear, huh? We are not talking about those who CAN’T work, but those who refuse to work.

One of our major political parties believes in the government being everything to everybody, and the other believes in maintaining a society in which free enterprise gives everyone the opportunity to make a living on their own. Biblically, the choice between the two parties should be crystal clear.

Let me hasten to say, however, that this is not about Democrat or Republican, or even Independent or Libertarian, or Socialist, or Communist, or any other political persuasion. This is about a nation of people who have become spiritually blind. We have embraced so many social practices that are completely contradictory to Scripture, and yet don’t see the truth. We have candidates who show no regard for God or godliness, and yet we clamor to them simply because they either promise a hand-out, or promise to make America great again, but neither show any concern about the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation.

When you go to the poll and cast your vote, what is it that will be the determining factor in your choice of candidate? If you profess to be a Christian, could I encourage you, even urge you, to listen to what these candidates are saying about things that really matter. Don’t vote for someone simply because they are radical, out-of-the-box hot-heads who appeal to your desire for change. Yes, we desperately need change, but not from someone who has no regard for God.

Please, cast your vote. It is both an American privilege and responsibility. But do so in prayer, seeking the heart of God. And pray that the hand of God’s judgment will be stayed as this nation turns back to Him.