Voting time is fast approaching. Many people are averse to mentioning anything to do with politics in religious circles, as if religious faith has nothing to do with public life. This is a lie concocted by secular humanists that has been fed to the public for so long that many people have begun to believe it, including Christians. Since God is the creator of the world and all things in it, he has a design and a plan for all things, including government, law, and politics.So, here are some things to remember as the November elections approach.
1. When we have the ability to choose those who govern, we should choose those who are righteous and just.
We live in a situation that is different from early Christians and different from many other Christians in the world. We have the ability to participate in our government, especially in who is appointed to govern. Here is a principle to remember:
"You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you" (Dt 16:18-20). An indispensable test of suitability for someone to govern is their character. Are they righteous and just?
2. Voting is a stewardship.
The Parable of the Talents demonstrates God entrusts various opportunities to us and expects us to use them for his glory (Mt 25:14f). Voting is one of those opportunities. Even though we are not of this world, we are not commanded to completely remove ourselves from public life (1 Cor 5:10). We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16), which means we are to engage the world. We are instructed to be good citizens (Rom 13:1-7). There is no warrant for being totally divorced from public life.
3. Your vote counts.
Don't think that because you are only one person you don't matter. Remember that Gideon defeated a whole army with 300 men. Young David killed a 9 1/2 foot veteran warrior. A nation of slaves left Egypt and won battles against people such as the Amelekites in the wilderness. The list goes on and on. Your one vote counts. This is not really a Biblical principle, but just a statement of fact. Texas was admitted to the union by one vote. Hitler won leadership of Nazi Party by one vote. The US House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson as President by one vote. One vote per precinct passed women's suffrage in California. The Selective Service Act was saved by one vote just weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked. John F. Kennedy won the presidency by less than one vote per precinct nationwide.
Your one vote is a tremendous privilege that should not be buried in the ground. If you are unfamiliar with the candidates and where they stand, there our voter guides to help educate yourself at places like www.frcaction.org, and www.christianvoterguide.com, and other places online. Don't forget, November 2nd is election day and this is a very important election. Take the time to educate yourself and go vote.