"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV
NOTE: This post does not speak for the collective thought of Tour of Truth. The thoughts of this writing are solely attributed to the author.
To Whom This Writing Is Both Addressing & Not Addressing
This writing is going to make a lot of people upset, but with our current day and age, what is new. For we live in a world that has lost the ability to sincerely debate and to rationally think about long-term consequences. It is due to this that we now have a storm of people who must continually argue. They have nothing better to do but lurk around and begin a quarrel with anyone who has a different opinion.
I sadly have many people that support that which is entirely contrary to the Word of God on my feed, yet, I remain friends with them. I know that going to their post and voicing my opinion won’t do much good, as most virtual arguments lead nowhere. Rather, I keep them in my feed and pray that the Holy Spirit would do the same to them as He has to me: convict and convert them.
For I know the internal demon that was in me before I got saved. Though the majority of my struggles were not external (drugs, sex, etc.), I had Hell living inside me. The pride, lust, anger, depression, and lack of faith that ruled me has been defeated by the Blood of Christ! Through the continued sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, I am becoming more Christ-like in all that I am and do.
I am by no means perfect. Like anyone, I have my daily struggles, but I know the transformative power that comes from the One, True, Triune God. He desires to do to all people what He has done to me. Our role is to simply deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24-26), believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior (John 3:16), and repent of our sins (2 Peter 3:9). This will lead towards an obedient life before God that is empowered by the Holy Ghost (John 3:36).
Now, this post is not directed towards unbelievers. Though unbelievers do many good things and can agree with what will be written, it is no surprise that the majority of unbelievers will not agree with this post. This post is also not for the self-proclaimed Christians.
It is sad that many base Christianity upon a person rather than Thee Person. So many carry a cross around their neck, but not in their heart. Those who are self-proclaimed Christians are those who pick and choose what they want from the Bible. They are Chameleon Christians that change with the times. They agree more with the world than they do with the Word of God. They happily accept what Jesus did, but have no desire to change their old sinful ways.
They agree with the feel-good portions of Scripture - where God wants to bless them, save them, and bring them to Heaven; but they deny anything related to why the Holy Spirit was sent: ““Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”” (John 16:7-8 ESV).
Self-proclaimed Christians are those who want forgiveness without repentance, Heaven without Hell, and blessing without obedience. Due to this, the world has perceived many who call themselves “Christians” as hypocrites. It is a harsh reality that 90% of people who claim to be Christians are not actually saved. They are those who are lukewarm and who God will spit out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). They are those who will hear the words “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:23 NKJV).
Therefore, I will not be surprised from the backlash and anger from these so-called Christians that we have recognized above.
Now that we have cleared up who this post is directed towards, we will begin to understand where voting begins for the born-again believer. Though all may profit from this post, not all will hear or come to understand the conclusion of this post.
Focusing on Where Voting BEGINS
It is essential to address that there are many reasons to vote. There are many important moral, economic, and political issues that must have our attention. However, we must all come to a consensus that, as with anything, there must be a sound starting basis by which we cast our vote.
It is important to note three things: Firstly, we will never get all that we want when voting. Secondly, this world is not our home. When things deteriorate and fall apart, it should be no surprise. Though we are to fight for Truth and what coincides with Scripture, we must not become fearful or dismayed at the vileness on the earth. For as sin runs rampant, the return of Christ draws nearer. Lastly, it is God alone Who raises up men and women into positions of leadership. For everything is allowed by God to work out a greater good and lead everything to His Ultimate Divine plan, whether a leader be good or bad.
God is able to do this because He is omniscient. He foresees all that could, would, and will happen. Based upon this knowledge, He knows what evil must be permitted to work out a greater good. Those who know God are those who have faith in God. The more we learn about God, the less we become perturbed when we do not get our way or when an ungodly leader (who may or may not be for godly principles) is raised up.
“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, He takes up the coastlands like fine dust” (Isaiah 40:15 ESV).
Let us therefore conclude that we will be taking a look at where we must begin our voting. From there, we may move forward into other matters.
Where Voting Does NOT Begin
Borders
Despite popular belief, voting does not begin with the viewpoint on open or closed borders. Many care about immigrants, but neglect the homeless. They are adamantly supportive and appear righteous for wanting open borders, but don’t even consider helping or giving aid to those right in their backyard. They offer elegant words from a distance, but fail to take action when opportunities are presented right before them within their own neighborhood, city, state, and nation.
In my own personal opinion, there shouldn’t be a debate about open or closed borders. Rather, it should be about how we can come together (Democrats and Republicans) to give better shelter for those waiting to get their citizenship and make the process easier for them (though, this is a political discussion).
As born again believers, we are for ALL people, but we still need protection. Anyone who locks their doors at night, yet claims they want open borders, is a hypocrite. Just as a loving father protects his family first (but still wants guests to enter into his house and abide by the rules), so we should be as U.S. citizens. This is a discussion for another time, however.
It simply is important to know that God loves ALL, has made ALL in His image, and has predestined EACH of US to be born in a certain family and location within time and space. God has a reason for all things and a purpose for all people. We must love all and seek to help all. Some of us will be called to different ministries, which is wonderful. However, borders is not where voting begins.
Economy
Our vote does not begin with economical matters. Though having a strong economy is wonderful, it is not where we begin.
A strong economy offers many benefits. Being a nation that is seen as an exporter both helps and supports the claim that we are building more revenue, creating more jobs, and relieving ourselves from the dependency upon other governments. These are all good things.
As Proverbs speaks on time and time again, we are to work for what we have. We are to not be lazy, lethargic, and expect to be handed everything in life. Proverbs also speaks on the foolishness and vileness of laziness:
"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." Proverbs 12:24 ESV
"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." Proverbs 13:4 ESV
"The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly" (Proverbs 26:13-16 ESV).
Above are just a few of the Proverbs that condemns those looking for a free handout and refuse to work. A strong economy offers many opportunities. It provides a way for people to live and make a living, as well as have the freedom to attempt new endeavors and be rewarded for their diligence in taking risks (ex: entrepreneurship). However, we do not begin our voting here.
Moral Character
Ironically, a vote does not even begin with the moral character and personality of an individual. For there are many who come as wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). They know all the right things to say, but they are corrupt internally. They deceive multitudes with the proper exterior appearance, but are vile internally.
This is seen across many pulpits today. We have a tsunami of false prophets preaching false gospels. They care not for the souls of men, only for their appearance and reputation. When voting (though this is an element to focus on), personality is not our starting point. For if it were, we would be like many churches today - wanting a pastor who looks good, is a smooth talker, enjoys making his people feel good, and forsaking the entirety of Truth at the expense of wanting to be liked.
As we have seen in prior years, we have had great talkers, eloquent speakers, and strongly liked Presidents. Yet, we come to find out about the sin and evil that was presently occurring behind closed doors. Not merely sins and evil done from the President’s past (which we are all sinners and have skeletons in the closet), but corruption done within the terms served.
Therefore, personality and good moral character (though important and preferred), is not where our voting begins.
Where Voting Begins
Voting begins on our viewpoint with abortion. Why might this be the case? For several reasons:
Those in the womb consist of BOTH genders and ALL ethnicities. There is no particular discrimination when it comes to abortion, for its discrimination is a universal one - namely, the taking of a person’s life.
A person’s life begins at conception (I will be doing a writing called “10 Reasons for Pro-Life & Why a Fetus is a Person” in the weeks to come that I will link to this post once completed).
Those in the womb could become the next big influencers, helpers, and extend Christ’s love to those in their community, the nation, and the world.
As many have noted, it is the silent holocaust within the United States. 60+ million babies have been robbed from the opportunity of life.
Now, it’s easy to let something like this slide when it goes unseen. When abortions happen, it’s easy to lack empathy. It’s just something that some people brush up under the rug.
When we don’t see what truly happens, we simply excuse it. We go about our way thinking that there are more important matters. However, this is the most important political matter, as it is a moral one. For it is the starting point of ALL human life. Without standing up for the voiceless and the most innocent, we will rob this nation and the world of future:
Pastors and teachers.
Doctors and nurses.
Innovators and entrepreneurs.
Missionaries and evangelists.
Friends and family.
All other productive careers that aid in the flourishing of life.
When a life is ended, it's not merely a person who has gone - it is also a life of influence that is robbed. Someone could have been the future best friend of another. Someone could have been a loving mother to give birth to a lineage of those who would do exploits for God’s Kingdom. Maybe the life that was aborted would have even been a person to save another person’s life here in this life.
Yet, because we did not take the seriousness of abortion and see the long-term effects, we have robbed those who are alive of a future family member, friend, co-worker, and influencer. They could have shined like the stars for Christ, but were robbed of the ability to live, simply because we did not see the importance of life.
It is astounding, however, that many are against pro-life.
I heard a very silly argument the other day. It has been trending, saying, “abortions wouldn’t need to happen if we had proper health care and better sex education.” Now there are two problems with this argument - the first, is it puts the cart before the horse.
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4 ESV). Why does God command us to abstain from sex until marriage? In order to protect us. Protect us from what? Protect us from soul-ties. For sex is more than just physical. It is something that affects us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. God also commands us to refrain in order to keep us from the likelihood of having a child when we are NOT ready.
Sex before marriage is what leads many to financial stresses and difficulties. It is also used for men to get their rocks off, only to abandon the mother later on (due to their inability to truly be a man and deal with the consequences of their uncontrolled actions).
Secondly, though something around the figure of ½ - ¾ of abortions (depending upon your source) happen due to inadequate health care, this is still no excuse for aborting a baby. This stat is merely an excuse to get an abortion. There are many nonprofit organizations that provide meals, housing, and support for single women getting ready to have a baby. A lack of doing research and reaching out to these facilities is a failure to do what is right.
The Testimony of My Great Grandmother
Due to circumstances that I will not mention, my great grandmother had a child when she was 13 years of age. Now, for those of us who are truly born again, we know that God takes what was meant for evil, and works it out for a greater good (Genesis 50:20).
As my great grandmother had her child, that child ended up being my grandmother. My grandmother has been a saint to her husband. She has taken care of my papa who has had MS for 30+ years, and has done so faithfully, patiently, and lovingly. My grandmother also had five wonderful daughters - four being my awesome aunts, and one being my mother (who adopted me pre-birth).
The evil that happened from my great grandmother, has been worked out for a greater good by allowing my grandmother to live. God has made a loving family amongst us all and has been gracious to each of us. Without my great grandmother having had my grandmother, I would not be adopted into the family I am in today.
My Own Personal Testimony
I am the result of a pro life decision. When my birth mom found out she was pregnant with me, she had a choice to make. Having had a child already (my older birth sister), she knew what was involved financially to raise a child and the time it would take to care for me as a single mother. As my older birth sister (and what would occur later) younger birth sister, and myself all came from different fathers, my birth mom had to make a choice each time.
Though she was an Agnostic, she knew that I needed to have a father in the home. As my birthfather took off (and I still don’t know what he looks like to this day), my birth mom could have easily chosen to abort. It was the easy road. As she was not making a lot of money, and the father had left, she could have easily chosen to end my life. However, she didn’t. Even being an Agnostic, there was something that told her to still have this child, even if she could not keep him.
It was at this stage she chose to have me and place me up for pre-birth adoption. After 7 long years of waiting for a child to adopt, my mother, Sarah VanTine, through prayerful tears and patiently waiting, was able to become a mother. As my father and mother (VanTine’s) could not have kids, my birth-mom became a blessing to them. Even though my birth-mom could have easily chosen not to have me, she knew that there was a person inside her and she wanted to bless another family.
Adoption is always an alternative option and a way by turning a mistake or unexpected pregnancy into a blessing.
Why Life Matters
For those who truly care about the next generation (and are so concerned about climate change (if that is their cup of tea) and all the issues that may affect us in the future), they will fight for the next generation to live. We cannot expect the next generation to come if we are not willing to protect them in their most innocent stage.
Our vote must be for BOTH genders and ALL ethnicities. It must be for the protection of life itself. It must be directed towards protecting the beginning stage of all human life and where all of us come from. If we neglect to start our political voting on the topic of abortion and choosing life, then all our love, care, and support for those alive is all for show. If we don’t stand for those in the womb, then we are hypocrites and truly do not care for all people.
For it is easy to prove to others how generous and kind we are through our actions and words to already born human beings. To do so at the expense of not caring at all for those who could have had a life in this world and made an impact for God’s Kingdom, however, is wrong and is an inadequacy of caring for all people.
May all born-again believers choose to vote for many different, important reasons. May our votes begin, however, at who represents, stands for, and chooses life. For right to life is the right to all other rights. If you don’t have life, you don’t have anything. Those who have yet to come will be the future, and we cannot have a future if we fail to protect those who cannot speak for themselves.
TO VIEW MY PRO-LIFE SONG & SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE PAGE, CLICK HERE.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, if anything has been contradictory in this post and has not sought to glorify You and follow Truth, make us aware. O God, we know that You are Omniscient and Sovereign. We know that You love all people and have a plan and purpose. You know the hairs on our head and You knew us before we were even born. O God, You transcend time and space and You see that all things work together for good. Lord, give us the courage to stand for the voiceless. Help us to see the preciousness and long-term, damaging effects of abortion. Lord, we as a nation repent of our sin. Forgive us of the 60+ million babies we have slaughtered and allowed to be annihilated from this world. Forgive us, O God, of all the times we have scoffed at Your Word. Forgive us where we have been selfish. O God, we confess that we are sinners and we are only saved and made righteous by the Blood of Christ. Help us not to live a deceived lifestyle that places culture above Your Word. Guide us down the path of Truth. Light the way, O Holy Spirit. Stay Your hand awhile longer from Your wrath, O God. Have mercy upon our land, and raise up a holy remnant Who will stand for Biblical Truths, boldly and unashamedly. As we deny ourselves daily, may the Holy Spirit give us the Wisdom and Love to press on and love all people. From the womb to the tomb, O Lord, You love all and desire to save all. Guide us into Thy heart and may we find Truth, peace, assurance, and trust there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lance VanTine
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