Monday, November 5, 2012

Five Things to Remember Before You Vote!


I know some of you have voted early but this will still apply! 

John MacArthur gave some great wisdom in his book, Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong.  I want to share with you five truths we must remember as we vote.

The first is that our commission is the gospel.  What God has called us to do is to share the good news about Jesus Christ's desire to reconcile the world to Himself.  Christianity must be consumed with winning people to Christ more than persuading voters.  Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations.  Proclaiming the gospel is the only thing that will change our world.

The second thing to remember is that our confidence is in God.  Our coins clearly state that “In God we trust.”  As Christ followers we trust that God is in control and that He is at work in our country.  (Romans 13:2)  No matter who wins the election, we must remember our confidence is in God.

The third thing to remember is we are charged to submit.  Jesus came into this world and submitted to the authority of government. (Matthew 22:21)  Submission first to the Lord is the key to submission to those with authority over us. (Romans 12:1-2)  As we submit to the Lord we should be exemplary citizens to this world.  Our lives should exalt this nation because we are living lives that honor our Heavenly Father.

The fourth thing to remember is no matter who wins we must pray for our leaders.  Paul commanded Timothy to pray for Nero who was a wicked emperor and the one who would put Paul to death. (I Timothy 2:1-2)  We are called to pray for leaders whether we like them or not! We must commit to pray for the salvation of our leaders and that they would lead us into ways of the Lord.  When our leaders do something wrong, our first response should be to pray for them instead of protest.

Finally we must remember that our citizenship is in heaven.  (Philippians 3:20-21)
That is where our Savior awaits us.  Heaven is where our names are written, where our treasure awaits us, where our hope lies and our family who have died in the Lord dwell.  This is not our home!

I am thankful that we live in a country that we have the freedom to vote for our leaders.  We as Christ followers must do our part in helping choose the best leaders possible based on biblical values. 

One final thing to remember:  No government, this side of heaven will be perfect, but one day when Jesus returns, He will set up a perfect government.  Until then, let’s carry out His mission, submit to and pray for our leaders until He returns. 

Just a reminder before we vote!

He is worth it!
Todd