Once upon a time (and not all that long ago), I was a member of the religious right. I fought for the election of ‘Christian’ candidates, encouraged others to vote for Christian candidates, followed the (I am ashamed to say this…) voting guidance of James Dobson and his ilk and believed that the single most important issue on the table was overturning Roe v. Wade.

I try really hard not to get political on here, because I know what it is like to have an opinion and force it down everyone’s throat. I have been that guy, and do not want to be that guy ever again, even when I am fighting for the other side.

That being said, my politics began to change a few years ago when I began to follow Jesus (as opposed to merely being ‘Christian’… you know, say a prayer, believe Jesus = God, plan on heaven when I die). I began to want to imitate him, to try to be like him, to really follow him. And, it changed everything.

I have several friends who have reported similar happenings. However, it is never easy. To see a great example of the sort of struggles that such a decision can make in your life, you may want to read this great post by Will Samson, who was an anti-abortion activist, who believes his decision to follow Jesus has led him, for the first time, to vote against the anti-abortion candidate.

When you read it, do not focus on the specific candidate he is supporting. Rather, look at the reasoning he puts into it, the issues he addresses. I could have truthfully written 90% of that post.