The Capitol
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men”
(Mt 5:13 NIV).
“Make the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5 NIV).
A crucial question
On the eve of election 2010, it is fair to ask, “Is there guidance in Scripture as to whether Christians should be active in the election process?” We need to know!
Elections are messy—mud-slinging, robo-calls from the famous, very big postcards are just the beginning. Negative political ads are a huge turn-off. We know they are effective politicking yet we are uneasy with what that ugly fact implies about us. Often candidates are not ideal and one wishes for other options. Most of the time, we feel we do not know enough to cast a truly intelligent vote. As a result, many Christians become uncomfortable with the process and just do not vote.
But is opting out what God would want us to do? I believe strongly that it is not! It shows neither faith nor courage. God expects us to use whatever influence he has given us for good, to the best of our individual ability. Our purpose in being left in this world is to use our brain which is being shaped by God’s Word to in turn shape the world around us into a more Christ-like mold. Even a short consideration of the Scriptures regarding being salt in the world and using all the opportunities provided is enough to persuade us. We must participate!
The following quotes were gleaned from the Pray & Act daily email for Oct. 25, 2010
“But the Bible does command us to be good citizens—and one of the ways we do this today is by voting. In fact, if we don’t vote, we are failing to fulfill that God-given responsibility to be good citizens.” Billy Graham, Evangelist
“Because God Almighty, whom we serve above all men, made human governments his way of running the world. ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God’ Rom. 13:1. In a democratic republic like ours that means at least: VOTE.” John Piper, Minneapolis Pastor
“… God has entrusted us as free citizens to be His agents. That’s why we have such a sacred responsibility to vote: not to is disobedience to God…. Chose men and women of integrity whose ideas come closest to conforming to a biblical worldview. Be wise and discerning, voting not for selfish interest, but for God’s good purposes.” Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship
“As followers of Jesus Christ, our participation in the political process is a moral obligation. We are called to give witness to those truths which we hold dear in faith. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, ‘It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role in promoting the common good.’” (Archbishop John Nienstedt, St Paul, MN, no.1913)
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual – or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country” Samuel Adams, Signer, Declaration of Independence
“Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . .” James Garfield, 20th US President
A prayer for November 2, 2010
Our Father, Sovereign over all nations, Source of wisdom, and Helper of your children; please give to us who follow your Son, Jesus, the inspiration we need to be your influencers in the practical matter of today’s elections. May we have wisdom to vote for those who will best govern us in righteousness, who will uphold that which is truly good and will speak with integrity. May the values of sanctity of life, sanctity of marriage and religious liberty be upheld through the votes we cast and by those appointed by those who are elected today. May each county, each state and our whole country be blessed today because you have used our ballots to put in place righteous and wise rulers. We will return our praise and thanksgiving to you for you are worthy. In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN.
For more suggestions and a fuller discussion of how Christians can be involved in the political life of our country check out this article “How Christians Can Be Involved in Politics”
