Ask Ellen

Question:

Dear Ellen,

I am so excited! I just turned old enough to vote. As you know a national election is coming up soon in November. My mother is a Democrat and my father is a Republican. Me? I’m not sure. I’m neither "left wing", nor "right wing". I guess you’d say I’m kind’a "middle-of-the-bird". I want to be patriotic. Do you have any advice for me?

Signed, Patriotic

Answer:

Dear Patriotic,

It’s important to keep things in the proper perspective. We’re just "pilgrims" passing through this world. Keep that in mind. One thing about trusting my advice — you can count on it. In fact the folks at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists call it the "continuing and authoritative source of truth". They even made a doctrine out of it. A number of doctrines, in fact! I don’t know if I would have dared call it that. But one thing I’ll tell you. It’s timeless. Well, pretty close! Anyhow, here is what I recommend.

The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 475)

Our work is to watch, and wait, and pray. Search the Scriptures. Christ has given you warning not to mingle with the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:17, 18). Whatever the opinions you may entertain in regard to casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message. If ever a people needed to draw nigh to God, it is Seventh-day Adventists. There have been wonderful devices and plans made. A burning desire has taken hold of men or women to proclaim something, or bind up with something; they do not know what. But the silence of Christ upon many subjects was true eloquence. (Selected Messages, vol 2, page 336 - Chapter 39, Counsel on Voting)

So thar you have it. They don’t call me the "Pen of inspiration" for nothing. Keep yourself pure. Don’t vote for either side. That way no one can blame you for voting for the wrong side. Oh. One more thing. Remember — the "Pen of inspiration" is a colloquial phrase used to describe my writings, and it should not be used when writing for the public. It is ok though to call me the "continuing and authoritative source of truth". Well. It looks like my next patient has arrived. See you tomorrow.

Ellen White