When I was younger, I only voted in national elections. I was too busy the other four years to worry about local or state politics. Didn’t care who the mayor or councilman was. What did that have to do with me?
Fast forward 30 years. I’ve learned a few things. First, local and state elections are the building blocks that have a greater impact on me, average Joe Citizen, than national elections. It affects how I live, hits my pocketbook, provides services I receive. Unfortunately, a lot of other people must have felt the way I used to feel. They don’t vote either.
Historically, about 50% of eligible voters in America actually vote. Why? I ask myself the same question. Men and women around the world have given their lives to defend the freedoms we take for granted, one of them the right to vote.
Robust voter turnout is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Low turnout is usually attributed to political disengagement and the belief that voting for one candidate/party or another will do little to alter public policy. With the political bantering back and forth we’ve seen for years, it’s understandable to want to turn your back and not vote at all.
Some people may hold the erroneous belief that their vote doesn’t matter. But it does matter, especially in local and state elections. Political offices can be won by a handful of votes.
Only 20% of Christians vote. Some would argue that the Church should stay out of politics, yet those same people complain when government encroaches into the Church. Now how is that going to happen if the Church doesn’t step up to the plate?
Jesus calls us to be salt and light in this world. If you are a professing Christian, your primary voting guide should be the Bible. If you are driven by media, politics, feelings, personalities, social issues or other perspectives, then those should be secondary factors in your voting decisions. This will be hard-hitting for many, and that is the purpose. Elections have significant implications for the future of America and Christians, particularly if we ignore our duty. In every election, the effects of your vote will be felt for generations. Don’t avoid the discussion of sensitive or painful topics, all in the name of preserving your feelings. Are you focused on who you should vote for rather than how you should vote?
I leave you with this story: There were two farmers, each devout in their beliefs. They each prayed fervently for rain in order to save their crops. One farmer prayed from sun up to sun down. The other farmer prayed when he arose in the morning, dressed, then went out to prepare his fields for harvest. Which farmer exhibited more faith?
Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
2 Samuel 23:3 “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
Tagged: Christians in culture, elections and voting, farm life, prayer
