HoHum:
There was a cartoon where 2 men were sitting on a park bench, neither one is saying anything for several frames. The one man lets out a sigh. The other guy gets up and mutters, “Well, if you’re going to talk politics, I’m out’a here!” Not talking politics but the opportunity to vote.
Why should I vote? I’ve asked this question before. Who says I should vote? Does it make a difference? What if I don’t like the choice of candidates, should I still vote?
WBTU:
On Tuesday (November 6, 2022) we have an opportunity to vote. First need to register to vote. Thankful for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, their department of motor vehicles. When moved here they asked if I would like to be registered to vote. I said yes. Might want to make sure that registered to vote. Once registered, need to vote, 2/3rds of registered voters on average do not vote. When voting need to be informed about the candidates and the issues. Try to download a sample ballot and this has helped me. Downloaded one and found we have some Tennessee constitutional amendments on which to vote. To get a Christian perspective on these amendments, go to FACT, Family Action Council of Tennessee. Did not agree with some of the perspectives but at least came to understand these proposed amendments. Amendment #1 is about labor unions. Amendment #2 is about the Speaker of the state senate temporarily exercising the powers and duties of the governor of Tennessee if the current governor is unable to perform the duties of governor. Amendment #3 is removing language from the Tennessee State constitution about slavery. Amendment #4 is deleting a prohibition against ministers of the gospel from holding a seat in either House of the Tennessee legislature. Don’t worry, I am not going to serve in either House of the Tennessee State legislature. That covers the amendments. We are electing an individual to the US House of Representatives. We are also electing officials to the Tennessee State offices such as governor. Had no idea that there are 10 people running for governor of the state of Tennessee.
I love get out the vote campaigns. I hate it when those who are encouraging people to vote have an agenda. In other words, I want you to vote and when you go to vote I want you to vote for so and so... I do not have an agenda, I just want us to vote. In that regard, I love what Debbie Wuthnow of IVoterGuide.com said about voting. Go to that website, good information
Thesis: Why vote? 5 reasons
For instances:
1. Scripture reveals what government should look like
Is the Bible silent on government and elections? Far from it. Scripture tells us that God ordained civil government to be His servant for our good. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:1-4, NIV. On the other hand, when government does not serve its God given purpose, the nation tends toward corruption. The influence of Israel’s kings on the people’s behavior is a prime example. We do not have a king, yes, but what our public officials do and believe makes a difference one way or another. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34, NIV. How can we help in making our nation righteous? We must be salt and light. “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.” Matthew 5:13, NIV. One of the ways we can be salt to flavor and even preserve the world around us is to influence who manages our government by participating in the election process and voting. Many times we are voting for the lesser of 2 evils but when we choose not to vote, we walk away from our chance to make a difference.
2. Scripture is clear that we need to be good stewards of all that God has given us- including our citizenship.
Unlike many before us, we can direct the course of our nation through our vote. God has given us the privilege of living in the US, and just as with any other good gift or talent from God, we are called to be good stewards. Our blessings carry with it responsibilities. In Matthew 25, the Master of the servant who best used his talents says to him,“‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV. As Americans, our vote is one of our “talents,” we must use it wisely. By the way, Veteran’s Day is November 11 where we remember those who have served in our armed forces. These veterans have secured this blessing for us and we need to use it wisely. Some veterans paid for this with blood or life. “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:7, NIV. We, as citizens of the United States, are included in our government. Government by the people and for the people. Think of the difference between North Korea and South Korea. These 2 countries have many things in common. The only difference between them is that South Korea is a democracy with politically free people and North Korea is a communist country with the most repressive government in the world. Do the different governments make a difference? There are just a handful of Christians in North Korea, and these Christians must exercise their faith in secret. Millions in North Korea never see or hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. By contrast, the church in South Korea, where the government has freedom of faith and religion, is growing, thriving, and sending missionaries around the world. South Korea has one of the highest percentages of Bible believing Christians of any nation (near 25%). The only difference is the kind of governments they have and what a difference it makes.
3. Elected officials determine laws that affect us- whether we vote or not- and those laws affect our ability to live out our beliefs
Often we are reminded through news stories how the actions of government officials affect our freedom to live according to our faith. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV. We find here that our prayers for the government are directed toward the goal of being able to share our faith without fear of harassment. Unlike the people in NT days, we live with the choices that we make in elections, and the best time and place to stop bad policy is at the ballot box on election day. Even if we feel we poor choices between the candidates (might want to consider running or being involved beyond just voting), our vote can still slow the overall decline of our country. It takes patience, perseverance, and getting involved. The least we can do is be informed and vote. “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2, NIV.
4. Every vote matters
With concern about election integrity, might ask, “Does my vote really matter?” In recent years, more elections than ever are being decided by the slimmest of margins. A US House race in Iowa in 2020 was decided by 6 votes. Such slim margins are common place today. In our history there have been some races with a tie. One for the Rhode Island Senate in 1978. One for the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1994. Two races in the Virginia House of Delegates, one in 1971 and another in 2017. One in 2010 for the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Many of these had run off elections to determine the winner. Some were decided on the toss of a coin. Please don’t leave our future and our children’s future to chance.
5. We affect future generations
Our children and our children’s children are affected by how we vote and by the actions taken by officials we elect- or by judges appointed by elected officials. The impact of our votes on the judiciary alone is sobering when we look at the recent decision by the Supreme Court on abortion. Voters were partially responsible for these decisions made by justices who were appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
We must also remember that we have an impact on our children not just with our vote, but with our example. Are we setting an example of someone who is a conformer to culture, or a changer of culture? Are we leaving a legacy of faith, as our forebears did, as people who would devote our “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” for liberty- not just ours, but our children’s? “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” Psalms 127:3, NIV.
“Duty is ours, results are God’s”- John Quincy Adams
Whatever our position on politics it all comes down to duty. Our nation was born from patriots who knew their duty and did it, even when the odds were against them. So even if we have concerns about the integrity of the election process, we still have a civic responsibility to vote. “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”” Luke 17:10, NIV. How many people know the good they should do but do not do it? “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” Proverbs 24:11, 12, NIV. A wise man said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
