Seven things to remember when you get frustrated with this election

Don't become disheartened!

In all my life, I have not experienced an election cycle as bitter as this one. Soon, our nation will choose between two terribly flawed candidates for president. The decision we make at the polls will determine who gets the privileged responsibility to lad our nation for the next four years. Their decisions will impact our lives, possibly for decades. For us Christians, the decision is particularly difficult. That's why we need to remember a few things.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about this election cycle.

1.    It's almost over: there's less than three weeks to go until the election. We can expect things to reach a fever pitch right about now, but they will also wind down very soon. The polls suggest the election is largely decided. Both sides know this and should begin winding down already. It's no longer close, and there's no need to throw good money after bad. As a result, expect relief soon.

2.    There are plenty of ways to vote: Clinton or Trump is not your only choice. Much has been made of Clinton's anti-Catholic bigotry. Frankly, it's mind-boggling. Not so much as an apology has been issued. There are many Catholics who still plan to vote for Clinton, despite the fact she is pro-abortion. No Catholic in good conscience can vote for a pro-abortion candidate. However, there's plenty of criticisms of Donald Trump too. Not every Christian believes his sincerity or that he has changed or will be an upstanding Christian in the Oval Office. We are each free to choose. But we should be clear that there are other choices. In addition to third party candidates, there are also options for write-in. There are ways to vote against all of the above. Such a vote can spare your conscience while sending a message.

3.    We cannot be "cafeteria" Catholics: our faith must not be set aside when voting. If we are sincere about our faith then we will find it impossible to set it aside just because we step into a voting booth. Question vigorously anyone who claims such a feat is possible. Our faith should trump politics. And our faith has a place informing our political opinions. People who think the Church should not speak on matters of politics have ingested a poisonous philosophy.

4.    God is in charge: and will not allow the gates of hell to prevail against His Church. No matter what happens this election, God is there to guard us and protect us. His Church will not perish from the Earth or fall away into corruption. Many great leaders have attempted to destroy the Church. None have succeeded, or even come close. God is our king, and we serve Him before all other masters.

5.    No politician will replicate the ministry of Jesus Christ: if you are seeking a candidate that represents Christ, you will search for a long time. Heck, it's hard enough to find even one person who perfectly embodies the Christian ideal. We need to be pragmatic when voting, but not too pragmatic. We must not compromise our faith.

6.    Our trust belongs in God: human saviors will always fail. No matter what we think about our choices, no politician will ever save us from the fires of hell. Only Christ can accomplish this. We must never make the mistake of following our politicians more closely than we follow God. And God has a plan for each of us which includes our salvation. When we fall into despair, we need to remember this plan and place our trust in God.

7.    Remember your neighbors: many of them are Christian too. Most of the people voting, no matter who they vote for, are your Christian brothers and sisters. You may disagree in your politics, but you must remain united in love. Remember, we are called to love one another, not clash endlessly over which candidate loves Jesus more.

There are many reasons to be of better humor this election cycle. God is with us, even if at times we may not feel His presence. When such moments arise, pause and reflect. Truth that in time, God will see you through every difficulty.

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