Thanks, John, for posting the "pros" and the "cons" in the voting situation...and to all those who responded, including Gerlinda, Barry, Kevin, and the others whose names escape me for the moment.  It makes all of us think about the choices we make.  And I feel that the answer must come from each one of us, individually.  The problem with "voting" is that it tends to be a "herd mentality" compounded by irrational thinking.  (I tend to think politicians do not always tell the truth....they LIE...a lot!)

Romans 16:17...."Now, I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them."

The moment voting is practiced in God's "ekklesia", division is introduced.  This further splits the "one body" we are supposed to be.  God hates discord or division.  For me, this is wrong simply because God tells me it's not what He want! s of us.  And besides that, no man can serve two masters...Matthew 6:24.  I can serve the Kingdom of Heaven as one of it's "ambassadors" OR I can serve the "kingdoms of this world" which belong to Satan.  I can't do both.

According to Daniel 4:17:  [this one is obvious to us if we are aware of the character of the men/women now in office...BY OUR VOTES]

"This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones:  to the intent that THE LIVING MAY KNOW that the MOST HIGH ruleth (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it THE BASEST OF MEN."

My own opinion on this is that God has ALREADY chosen the winner of the election this year.  I don't know His choice and neither does anyone else at this point.  YET, what if, in my own mind, I vote for the one I FEEL is best....and this one is NOT God's choice?  What I am do! ing, then, is fighting God and His choice.  He doesn't need my help!!!  Nor does He need anyone else's help in accomplishing His purpose.  The "will of the people" (you and I) has NO power or effect because God determines the outcome of elections whether we vote or not.

Finally, the bottom line is this.  WHAT IF true Christians are ACTIVELY voting for the final "beast kingdom"??  They would actually be participating in fighting against Jesus Christ at His return.  And I would hate to have to face my Lord Jesus Christ in the day of judgment and have to explain what I did.  So, I choose to let God's choice stand.  I won't take part of "voting" in Satan's kingdom.

YsiC

Arlene