GENERAL ELECTION 2019

The Election Commission announced the dates for the 17th Lok Sabha elections 2019, which will be held in seven phases - from April 11 to May 19 - to choose the members of the lower House of Parliament. The Election Commission of India will organize the 2019 general elections across India's 543 constituencies in 29 states and 7 Union Territories. So, now it is the beginning of the battle for the throne. Political parties of all types, sizes and representations - close to 350 in total - would try their fate in the upcoming Lok Sabah polls. We have been continuously seeing the degradation of politics and also been complaining about the behavior of the politicians. We all are also worried about the problems like Corruption, Unemployment, Illiteracy, Increasing crime rate, Terrorism, Poverty and so on. The list just keeps growing. Many of us really want to do something to change this situation, but, can’t actually do anything, due to many different reasons. The Election Commission of India has a huge task at hand this time, as the 2019 elections are expected to be the biggest in the history of democratic India. What's more, simultaneously with the 543 Lok Sabha seats, elections this time are also being held in 413 Assembly constituencies across four states - Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim.The results for both Lok Sabha elections 2019 and the four state Assembly elections will be declared on May 23. We are called upon once again to elect the most powerful political leadership team and the Prime Minister in the largest democratic Nation of the world. If we are concern about our future and the future of our country, then all of us must cast our votes. ‘Voting’ is not only our ‘Right’. In fact, it is our solemn responsibility as a citizen and we all must fulfill this responsibility with seriousness. The decisions that each voter makes may have far reaching implications, not only for our nation, but also for the entire world. Some people think religious people should stay out of politics & government, but the truth is, that the most High rules over the kingdom of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. (Daniel 4:32). Scripture affirms that “All the rulers of the world belong to God. He is over them all!” (Psalm 47:9) In fact, God explicitly declares in the Holy Scripture the kinds of leaders we ought to vote for. In fact, the Bible warns us that our choices determined our future. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 says “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Whenever the Bible talks about people and their choices, it reminds us the negative consequences of their poor choices as well as the positive consequences of their wise choices. The life you are leading today is the result of past decisions and indecisions. Every single decision you have ever made, or will ever make, has consequences. Once we learn to evaluate our decisions based on consequences, all the other considerations fall neatly into place. It’s that simple. So Let us consider to analyze the divine prerequisite for the National leaders in order to make wise decision. Quality leadership is the key to a prosperous and peaceful life of a nation. Our quality of life depends on the quality of our leadership. The quality of government significantly affects every person in society. Elections offer us a relatively easy way to improve society if we vote and end up choosing decent governments. Proverbs 29:2 says: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn. ” And Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness makes a nation great; sin is a disgrace to any nation.” The above scriptures reveals that whenever a nation has a lack of quality, legitimate and just leaders, national deterioration occurs. This is why God sets forth general criteria for office-holders. Exodus 18:21 says “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…” The world is in desperate need of righteous leaders. Our communities need positive role models, our children need fatherly leaders and our world needs right direction. It’s not just electing a particular political candidate; but a righteous and genuine leader to lead the Nation with justice and truth. Since the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tm 6:12), we need to examine many things about our world system and be willing to modify them to match the high standard of morality and adherence to the divine imperative. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with simplicity, Purity and integrity. A good leader “walks the talk” and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. In the Bible, God reveals this wisdom to all men and nations through proverbial sayings that teach wisdom by means of a comparison or analogy. The wisdom of Proverbs covers all areas of life: personal, family, business, education, and politics.. Therefore let’s serious in our prayer and elect “righteous” people and rejoice in the abundance of peace and prosperity that following God’s laws and His wisdom. Look at the following scripture reference from proverbs that reveals God’s wisdom for the sphere of politics and the government… 1. Proverbs 16:10 says, “The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.” 2. Proverbs 28:3 says, “A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.” 3. Proverbs 29:4 says, “By justice a king gives country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.” 4. Proverbs 29:12 says, “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” 5. Proverbs 29:14 says, “If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.” 6. Proverbs 8:15, 16 say that “governments should use wisdom to rule and to make laws that are just. 7. Proverbs 28:2-4 and 29:4 urges “rulers to maintain order justly, to follow God’s moral code and to avoid oppressing the poor.” 8. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” 9. Proverbs 31:8-9 say “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy...” Our only hope is found in the above scripture verses. You cannot have true liberty without truth and righteousness. A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas. If a leader does not have a protective spirit towards the helpless, he’s missed the reason for being a leader. God gives us leaders to protect us from evil. Leaders should be defenders of those who cannot defend themselves. India wants leaders who are role models, law abiding; leaders who respect the laws of the land and allow the same to take course even upon themselves. Our leaders are expected to have the capacity to govern and develop well thought out policies that can boost the economy of the land; for the well being of all, including the poor and the marginalized of society. Leadership is about good governance of the nation, its communities and assemblies as well as the generation and use of resources therein. Leaders are expected to render service to their people. They are to facilitate that all people fully participate in the development activities and also assist in establishing fair and just formulas for sharing and distributing the nation's resources. This is to be done with equity, transparency and with a political will directed at creating a corruption free environment. People's aspirations, hopes and dreams must be picked up by our leaders and helped to be fulfilled and so contribute to the advancement of social life and quality of life of communities. People aspiring for high offices and indeed any public office must be exemplary in their own life and in their ability to work for a corruption free India. Here is a list of questions you can prayerfully use to evaluate your possible choices. You can determine the wise course of action with God’s help. Have you prayed about this choice? Do you feel at peace with the choice you’ve made no matter what it costs you? Do you sense God’s approval in your spirit? Which choice has the best possible results? There are consequences when we choose leaders. We’re either going to rejoice or weep. Finally be assured — wherever man rules, God still overrules.

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