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(Excerpted from Make Your Vote Count)

 

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

—Proverbs 4:7, nkjv

 

The 2008 election season promises to be among the most contentious ever. In addition to being a rare presidential campaign featuring no incumbents, this election will turn on a handful of pivotal issues presently confronting American voters, the consequences of which will likely influence the direction of our nation for decades to come.

 

At the top of the list of campaign issues sure to receive the most attention will be the perennial key issues of national security and the economy. In this election season, the national security debate will, for the most part, center on the war in Iraq. The health of the economy is always a big issue, especially in an age of rapidly accelerating competition from every corner of the globe and the accompanying consequences of that competition in issues such as resources, energy, and consumer and foreign affairs.

 

The foreign policy issues facing voters on Election Day focus on the ever-changing nature of America’s role in the world, the manner in which the War on Terror is carried out, and the relationship the United States has with her allies. As the war in Iraq progresses, so do the odds of a clash with Iran at some point in the future, ensuring that military preparedness and the condition of our fighting forces play a large role in the national debate leading up to the election.

 

On the home front, the many facets of the culture war will be on display, touching on everything from family issues, health care, and schools to the hot-button issues of abortion, stem cell research, taxes, and immigration. Add to that list a few extra issues that have received fresh bumps in their Q ratings in recent years, such as the environment, global warming, and privacy laws, which have become a facet of the War on Terror.

 

The choices are many, and the time is now to get your homework done in preparation for November 4. When you step into the voter’s booth and pull that lever, or touch that screen, or—heaven help us—punch that chad, you will need to be armed with godly wisdom in order to make choices that honor the Lord and obediently serve His kingdom. This anthology of twenty-five present-day issues attempts to capture the basis of the national conversation in the 2008 election season and fortify you with the biblical perspective on which to base your decisions. It will explain the position of God’s Word on the issues, enabling your election decisions to be grounded in faithful stewardship and godly obedience. May this book benefit your wisdom and understanding of the issues in this most critical season of our nation’s history.

 

A Word About Our Next President

The office of president needs to be held by a man or woman of honor, humility, and virtue; grounded in the principles upon which not only this nation was founded but on which we have also relied and trusted both in our darkest hours—such as our Civil War, the attack on Pearl Harbor, or 9/11—and in our grandest triumphs, such as the Apollo moon landing or the Allied victory in World War II. At issue is the nature of a president’s character, which determines whether the American people can trust that his or her word will be borne out in deed. America’s next leader must possess a deeply held, humble respect for the office of president and be of such integrity and spirit that the wanton sullying of the office should seem to be not only a disgrace but also an abhorrent impossibility that would never be permitted.

 

Therefore, brethren, select from among you [a man] of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

—Acts 6:3, emphasis added

 

A man or woman of God is what this nation needs for such a crucial juncture in our history—a true statesman committed to what is best for our nation instead of a political party; one who, through difficult and often unpopular decisions, will lay the cornerstones for peace, stability, and prosperity for future generations of both Americans and citizens of every nation.

 

Christian voters in 2008 have a responsibility to choose the candidate who will lead our nation along the new challenges we face, grounded in the wisdom of the Almighty and emboldened by the virtues that make the United States the shining city on the hill. (See Matthew 5:14.) Most assuredly there are perilous times ahead for the freedom-loving people of this world; however, there also are opportunities for great triumphs for mankind. The direction of our nation will be determined in part by the president we elect in 2008 to lead us through these perilous times.

 

It is crucial that we put the right person in office. And it’s not too early for us to begin to strategize. Remember, the last two presidential elections were very close, and the media said “values voters” made the difference.

 

The first thing we must do is pray. Pray that God will raise up godly candidates whose values are based on biblical principles and who will lead this country the right way. Encourage others to pray as well.

 

Second, stay informed of where the candidates stand on the critical issues highlighted for you in this book.

 

Third, get involved. Speak up in support of candidates who hold biblically based positions on key issues.

 

Fourth, if you aren’t registered to vote, register now, while there’s still time to vote in the important elections this fall.

 

Fifth, contribute financially to the campaigns of candidates you support.

 

Finally, cast your vote accordingly. May the new president we elect this November be a godly, wise servant of this wonderful nation who will lead us into a rich, wondrous future.