Thank God the midterm elections are almost over. It has been alarming and disheartening to read and hear so many negative campaign advertisements on television. Sometimes the ads appeared so regular that it caused me to turn the television volume down or off. They were so degrading of persons that it left you with a bad feeling about both parties, the one spoken about and the one who shared the smeared ad public information.   

Aren’t you glad the midterm elections are pretty much over or at least the ads are no longer before us? In many cases it was alleged the campaign ads were lies about another individual, but there was no way of determining whether they were true or false. Some were so negative that I wish to believe they were untrue, for they were so derogatory that somebody should have gone to jail. Now that is just an assumption on my part, for we know that in times such as this, almost anything goes.

Commercials about products and services on TV are usually close to being truthful. If you try the product or services and they do not meet our satisfaction, we can discontinue purchase or service. Unfortunately, we cannot do the same with a political campaign ad in question.

My research revealed that the Communications Act of 1934 stated that broadcasters have no power of censorship over any legally qualified candidate for public office.

Some sources believe negative ads can weaken voter turnout. Contrary to that point is the belief that positive ads reveal an increase in voter turnout.

In one governor’s campaign, there was a reelection ad that read, “God sent me to take the arrows. On the eighth day of creation God made a fighter.” The ad was referring to the Florida governor himself. I thought I had heard it all.   

Can you believe the midterm elections estimated cost exceeded $10 billion? Now that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard as it relates to voting. This simply means the more money a campaigner has in the campaign coffer the more slander can be shared. Just imagine what $10 billion could do to help with crime, homelessness, inflation, etc.     

Sadly, there are churches that use their pulpits to promote right-wing interests. We can recall when the pandemic started that some pastors vehemently ignored the Center for Disease Control recommendation that suggested there should be no large group gatherings. In too many cases, the Church has gotten away from advertising the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, love your enemy or everlasting life. We have almost reached a point where Jesus is no longer our main point of interest in the Church.          

Recently I heard a Christian couple state that they had not been vaccinated for Covid-19 and refused to wear a mask because they are covered with the blood of Jesus. Some pastor has brainwashed these folk in believing that Covid-19 is a hoax. Help us Lord, please! My thinking and response to that statement is, yes, we are covered with the blood of the Lamb, but over one million people are covered with dirt because of Covid-19. Many, I am sure, were people who confessed to be Christians.

What better time than now my brothers and sisters for each of us to become an advertisement for Jesus. The way we do so is by talking about him knowing that some will accept the conversation, and some will not. However, in doing so, let’s not overwhelm others to the point of them becoming disinterested. We must keep serving, sharing our testimonies, telling Jesus stories, and at the appointed time asking people if they are ready to follow Jesus.

God’s word is to be advertised and shared. The disciples called by Jesus did not have social media to assist them in sharing the word of God. They were instructed to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

We are being called to be the catalyst for sharing the Word of God with others so that hearts may be changed, and lives transformed. We are the conduits called to deliver the messages of grace and mercy. It is my hope that we will fall in love with the Word of God so much that we will not be able to keep it to ourselves.          

I admonish all of us to become an advertisement for our God, for his Word is meant to be shared!

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor