Don’t pay much attention to what the candidates say they will do. Most don’t or cannot do most of what they’ve promised. They have no way to know the circumstances they will really face. Instead, consider their character. Leaders tend to lead in the direction of the path they have consistently taken in life. When you vote for a new President, or any other government position, you vote to have the country resemble the character of that person. At the time of this writing, our two front runners are known for dishonesty and greed – not character traits most of us hope will shape our nation’s reputation.
Want a list of character traits to avoid and ones to support? Consider these two lists, taken from the letter to the Galatians in the Bible. Paul contrasts those motivated by “the flesh” – by which he means those who operate by the rules and impulses of the world – and those who take their cues from God’s Spirit.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, …
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; … (Galatians 5:19–23 – excerpts)
Which set of character traits do you want in those who lead our country? Which candidates resemble the list you chose? Vote for them.
Please join me in praying for wisdom to prevail among voters.
FRESH BREAD OF LIFE 
I wish there were a way to get this message to every voter. NOT promises – CHARACTER! We all need to be praying for God’s hand in this election. Thanks, Tom.
On that premise, we are so for
Ben Carson. But as an Indian Christian from Silver Sneakers commented, is he too nice to be president? Thank you, Tom, for keeping us to character qualities.
And I wish there was a good way to figure out which candidates have these desirable traits…..we can try to find out but not always sure.
Yesterday as my 24 year old daughter and I were discussing who to vote for, I said this very thing. I must vote for the one who exemplifies Christian character; one who will listen to the Holy Spirit for help in leading our country. I remember when I was homeschooling my kids, I read something about Abraham Lincoln not being the likely candidate, but people voted their conscience and he won the election. May God work in the hearts and minds of every voter.