by Jonathan Webb

Created on: August 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2008

We are given the right to vote by the constitution of the United States. With this right comes the responsibility to be active and informed on the issues we feel are important and will affect our lives and the lives of those around us. By voting for or against certain candidates, we are expressing our values and thoughts on who we believe will best lead our nation forward during that person's time in office, whatever that office may be.

Faith is the key component in a person's character and cannot be ignored. I am not talking about a specific faith or religious background although I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I believe we all have faith in something, whether it is in God or the government, or some other entity. All of us believe that there is something greater to serve or to help as we navigate through this life. By believing in one thing and then voting in a different direction is not only hypocritical, but shows a lack of character and integrity any of us would find disgusting.

All of us should vote based on our core beliefs and how we feel is the best way to move forward as a people. The faith of the person is at the center of those feelings and must influence the voting patterns of the person involved. How can I vote for someone with whom I disagree? This would undermine my own ability to be trusted and show how little I actually believe in my faith and integrity as a person. Also, others would not be able to trust me or take me at my word if I say one thing and do another. This is of a great importance when voting for a candidate.

This discussion has been skewed over the years with the rise of 'spiritual' leaders in the political arena. It is not an issue of polls or one party over the other. When choosing a candidate one must look at his core beliefs and character and whether he can be trusted to make those decisions that must be made when no one is around and looking over his shoulder. This is where the voter's faith comes into play. Can you trust the candidate? Do their core beliefs line up with those you express and live out of on a daily basis? If not, then other issues I believe fall to the side. Integrity and character speak to the heart of an individual and will tell you a lot about the decisions they will make on certain policies. We must stop looking at this from a right vs. left perspective and start viewing it as a heart perspective.

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