Don’t Forget to Vote

The month of April begins with a primary election on the 2nd, so I thought I would give a few random thoughts on elections and politics (oh my!). It is my personal conviction that voting is a Christian obligation. The institution of government was given to us by God Himself in Genesis, chapter 9. He has so ordered our world that no person can be born anywhere on this planet without immediately being a citizen of some nation. That is because He knows we need the accountability that comes from being under the authority of government. The history of mankind prior to Genesis, chapter 9 – the preflood world – makes this case decisively.

Romans 13:1-5 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

We are blessed to live in a country, and day and age, where we have a legitimate participation in selecting our governmental leaders. I fully recognize that there are reasons to doubt the extent to which we do, but the truth remains that we get to express our desires at the ballot box. This is a privilege that many have not had through history, and many on planet Earth do not have today. Even though I am often dismayed at the outcome of an election, I still thank God that He has given me this privilege. And, I believe it is more than a privilege; it is a responsibility and obligation. In my adult years, I believe that I have only missed voting in one election. Years ago, I got busy and totally forgot to vote in a primary election of some kind. It was not an important election on one level, but I still felt very bad when I realized that I had missed my opportunity.

I would greatly encourage you to participate in the process of selecting our leaders by exercising your right (and obligation) to vote. I believe that is one way we can honor our Lord. Once we have voted, we can then rely on Him to place the people He wants into office. We have His Word (Daniel 4:17,25,32 and 5:21) that no one holds any governmental office anywhere in the world outside of His having put them there. Whatever their own belief and bend may be, they ultimately accomplish His purpose in history!

-Pastor Don Root