Why We Must Vote
Why We Must Vote
Dear Saints,
Before I go in-depth to answer the question, let's establish that voting and politics is spiritual. Everything about a believer and follower of Christ is spiritual. There's no secular or spiritual distinction in our lives. Everything about us is a worship unto our God. “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31, also see Colossians 3:17 and 23.
We are instructed: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” Romans 12:1- AMP.
I am saying all the above because someone would say, stay away from politics. If we study and write on all other topics in the Bible, why not politics because it is also in the Bible. Please read Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
So, why should we vote? If you don't vote, you have already voted by implication. It is estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of Christians do not vote. If you vote, you will be obeying the Holy Spirit especially if you have sought His leading and direction from God's word and have heard His voice before voting.
There's no excuse for not voting especially if you are physically able and in addition can request mail-in ballot. If you are not registered to vote, please do so immediately.
If you are listening for me to tell you who to vote for in this coming presidential election, I cannot. That's the work of the Holy Spirit if you ask Him. Listen to Jesus:
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.” - John 16:7,13-14 -AMP.
Further, Jesus said, "But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.24 God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:23-24 -AMP
In this election, examine the candidates and platforms/policies (there are significant differences). Are they based on the truth of God's word and what the Holy Spirit is saying to you? We are accountable to the truth we know. We are accountable to the voice of the Holy Spirit we hear and obey or disobey.
Why should we vote? If we vote, we cannot be complaining any longer about any of the candidates but will be praying for them after the election.
When we vote, we free ourselves from any guilt that may arise if the person we voted for didn't win. When you have listened to the voice of God and obeyed, you leave the outcome and consequences to Him. There's peace in hearing and obeying God.
Keep in mind, that there's also the will of the people. In the case of Israel, God gave them Saul as king contrary to what prophet Samuel wanted. Please see 1 Samuel 8:5-9.
Friends, I am voting and voting early. I don't like the long lines on the election day.
May the Lord help us and be gracious to America. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any nation. We must be gracious, kind and respectful to all regardless of who they vote for. Where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds much more.
We can remind ourselves and everyone that it's a fallen world and we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We can point people to Jesus Christ, the Savior who will save them if they confess their sins, repent and believe Him. Let's take advantage of this season and win people to Christ instead of engaging in endless arguments on politics.
A little history: "The concepts (and name) of democracy and constitution as a form of government originated in ancient Athens circa 508 BCE. In ancient Greece, where there were many city-states with different forms of government, democracy ("rule by the demos", i.e. citizen body) was contrasted with governance by elites (aristocracy, literally "rule by the best"), by one person (monarchy), by tyrants (tyranny), etc." Wikipedia 9/17/24. Democracy is not the best, but we thank God ours is not monarchy/tyranny.
More reason to vote. "Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], holding out and offering to everyone the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to rejoice greatly because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result." - Philippians 2:14-16 - AMP
DO YOUR PART (homework/pray and vote) AND LEAVE THE REST TO GOD.
Notice that we owe the world, "the word of life," that is Jesus Himself that saves to the utmost. Our neighbors (Democrats, Republicans or Independents, and etc.) need Jesus. We all need Jesus. Let’s not be prideful or arrogant as if we are better; rather let us show that our sins have been forgiven as a result God’s love, mercy and grace.
Let's watch our tongues this election and pray and speak life to all. I do not want my worst adversary (political or otherwise) in hell (is for Satan and his demons). How about you? We are also called to be beacons of light (in our behavior) to point people to Jesus while always standing for God’s truth without compromise.
Lord, we commit this election season to you. Thank you for the opportunity to live in a country that votes and elect their leaders. Help us to discern and do your will. We pray for all our leaders that you grant them salvation, vision and wisdom to lead righteously; and at the end, may we all by your mercy and grace hear your words, "well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Amen.
Friends, the big picture is more than politics and political candidates. Life in relationship with/in Jesus is the big picture. Let’s live it; for Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and Life. Amen.
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