Get out and Vote

I have been asked who I am going to vote for this Tuesday. My reply is “the person that most closely reflects Godly principles.” I do not promote any candidate but I do promote using the Bible as a guide. At times, it may seem that there is nobody to vote for but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to vote. In the U. S., we have the freedom to vote and in recent elections, about 2 of every 5 of self-professed Christians took that right for granted and did not vote. About 1 in 5 self-professed, eligible Christians are not even registered to vote. In Matthew 22:21 we read, “Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” As Christians, we should fulfill our civic duties. God is most certainly in control, but that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will.

Every Christian should vote and vote for leaders who promote Christian principles and not rely on a party slate or voter guide. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” That being said, candidates or platforms that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported. In Hosea 8:4, we read that God is not always pleased by our choice of leaders: “They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.” As believers, we have to know that our vote matters and we should exercise that freedom at every opportunity. The evidence of sin’s grip on this world is everywhere. We ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by God (read 1 Samuel 12:13-15).

Christians should vote as led by God’s Word and the realities of the choices on the ballot. I went to hear Franklin Graham this past Thursday and I am going to paraphrase what he said…”Everyone should vote, you may have to hold your nose when you do but get out and vote.” The people running may not be your choice or the best choice but they are the candidates. Pick the best of them and vote. Enjoy your coffee.
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Love you all,
Pastor Gary