Value vs. Values

Election is the bulwark of democracy.  The citizens decide on the course of the nation by voting the candidate or party they trust with their future.  If the incumbent has become ineffective or abusive, likewise the people can exercise their right of suffrage to bring about change.

But it is not that easy to discern a candidate or party.  Like a new product sold in the market, the candidate or party is promoted positively, putting forward only the strong points, hiding unpleasant features with utmost effort.  Media takes the initiative to obtain the truth about a candidate or party – separating fact from fiction – thereby, allowing voters to make a balanced decision.

As the voter scrutinizes the person of a candidate and the policies of a party, he must do so, taking into account his own set of values and beliefs. “Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.” (Isaiah 51:7) Candidates deliver sound bites that are soothing to the ears; while parties promise packages that impact on economic benefits for families.  Politicians target the urgent concerns of the citizenry, that of their basic needs – food, shelter, health and education.  The ones who promise better value on the economic front may just get that precious vote. 

The good electorate though must not count the coins in his pocket; rather he should take a holistic view on making a choice. Ask the following question: What is the stand of the candidate/party on the human life; on family and rights of children; on alleviation of the poor and the vulnerable in society; on law, crime and punishment; and on protection of the environment? Most importantly, you must find the answer to the query: Is the candidate/party God-fearing? A positive response to the last question can give some assurance that the path the candidate/party will be guided by faith values. “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let your vote count not just in favour a particular candidate/party, but most importantly for the victory of  the Lord. “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

by Mel Libre