Reflecting Christ during election season is our duty

by Ty Salvant

By Ty Salvant
NOLA Catholic Parenting

Election season is upon us again, a time that can often tempt Christians to behave in ways that don't reflect our faith. Regardless of how you vote, whom you support or what solutions you believe are best for our challenges, your actions should always lead you in line with your Christian values.

As we navigate this period, let’s remember the Ten Commandments and ensure that our words, online interactions and campaign efforts reflect the love and respect Christ calls us to show.

We are reminded of the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” Is this true of how you interact with others during election season? Consider keeping a copy of the Ten Commandments near your computer or as a screensaver on your phone. This simple act can help center you, ensuring you don’t have to explain to God why you shared something harmful or engaged in divisive behavior.

If you find it challenging to engage in respectful conversations about polarizing topics, consider seeking guidance or educating yourself. Remember, the aim isn’t to change someone’s mind but to share your perspective and understand theirs, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. This approach can help us all to be more open-minded and considerate during this season.

This process reminds me of the discernment we teach in Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends. It begins with prayer, followed by gathering facts, seeking mutual agreement, accountability and responsibility, and revisiting decisions together. We should all be in prayer during this election, remaining steadfast in our faith regardless of the outcome.

It’s crucial to gather accurate information, seeking out reliable sources, rather than relying on questionable content that might show up in our inboxes or social media feeds. Encourage your community to have a voting plan, ensuring everyone is registered and ready to participate in this fundamental civic duty. Our republic functions best when the voices of the many, not just the few, are heard. This responsibility to seek and share accurate information can help us all make informed decisions.

If you’re passionate about a candidate, consider getting involved in his or her campaign, volunteer, make calls, knock on doors, help raise funds or share factual information about the candidate. Understand why you support the candidate and be prepared to discuss your choice if you wish, but remember, you’re not obligated to explain your vote to anyone.

After the election, respect the outcome and continue working toward the best interests of your family, community and country. Not everyone will support the same candidate, and that’s OK.

Just as not everyone follows the same religion, it’s more important that we learn to coexist, seek the common good and live out our faith and values, no matter who is in leadership.

At the end of this election season, let’s strive to ensure that everyone you encounter will know you are a Christian by how you express yourself, how you live and how you love. This commitment to living out our Christian values can help us all to be more dedicated and steadfast in our faith, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Here is the list of the Ten Commandments according to Catholic tradition:
1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.
This commandment calls for belief in God and worship of God alone.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
This commandment requires reverence for God’s name and forbids its misuse.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
This commandment obligates Catholics to observe Sunday as a day of worship and rest.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
This commandment emphasizes respect and obedience to parents and authority figures.
5. You shall not kill.
This commandment forbids taking the life of another person.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
This commandment calls for fidelity in marriage and chastity in relationships.
7. You shall not steal.
This commandment forbids taking what belongs to another.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
This commandment requires honesty and forbids lying.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
This commandment warns against lustful thoughts and desires for another person’s spouse.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
This commandment discourages envy and desire for the possessions of others.

These commandments guide Catholics in our moral and ethical decisions, shaping our relationship with God and others.

Ty Salvant is an advisor, wife of more than 20 years, homeschooling mom of six, avid volunteer and author. She enjoys movies, reading, games, and spending time with friends and family.
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