“The Right & Responsibility to Vote”

[Soldier4Christ]

“The Right & Responsibility to Vote”
Proverbs 29:2

In 1938 the name Boston Curtis appeared on the ballot for Republican Committeeman from Wilton, Washington. Actually, Boston Curtis was a donkey. The town’s mayor sponsored the animal to demonstrate that people know very little about the candidates...... .He proved his point. The mule won!
It’s sad but true Americans know very little about their government ... constitution, the freedoms & rights we enjoy & those elected to office!
Let me remind you: -We live in a Republic...that is governed by the consent of the people! -We are a Democracy...we have a voice & a vote to chose! -We have a constitution which is the law of the land!
-We don’t live under Monarchy! -We are not Anarchy! -We aren’t Communists or Socialist!
When it comes to our country...our government...& The elections... -What we are.... I’m afraid...is Apathist......Many just don’t care! -Many are Indifferent & Passive! They don’t want to get involved. -Many are ignorant! They don’t know & don’t want to know the issues.
My friend you need to understand something! Legislators.... Legislation.... Politicians ... Politics ... Democrats ... Republicans even Independents offer little change as it relates to the vast number of issues that face this nation!
Real & Genuine change come from the heart & its God alone who can change a heart for he holds the hearts of men in His hand! Scripture says...
Romans 13:1 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.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Psalm 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
Illustration: An elderly gentleman was sitting on a park bench, basking in the sun, when another elderly fellow sat down. They looked at each other for a moment but did not speak. Both men sat there, staring straight ahead. After a while, one of them heaved a big, heartfelt sigh. The other jumped up immediately & said, "If you’re going to talk politics, I’m leaving."
I’m not gonna talk politics...so don’t leave! But what I am gonna do is remind you that Christian’s had better be informed & involved in the political process for it effects you....your family...this nation!
Proverbs 29:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.


Scripture has much to say about our involvement in Politics: “Politics” ~ The affairs of government...politicians....& political parties.
-Christians are to be peaceful & law abiding citizens. Romans 13:1-7 -We are to pray for & honor our government leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

-We are to pay our taxes. Matthew 22:21

-We are to work for the highest good of all people. Proverbs 3:27

-Jesus’ call for His people to be salt & light to a dying world...that includes those who govern us & the decision they make that involve us! Matthew 5:13-14
-We are to submit to those who govern us. 1 Peter 2:13-15
-We are to promote Godly principles in politics and government Pr 29:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

My friend, the people of God must be informed & involved in our government....& in the process of electing those who govern us!
Quote: The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves. ~Plato
This morning I want to give some things to consider as you get informed & involved in Politics & the election that is just days away!

1. You have been given the Right to vote: Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Again, this is a democracy! You have a voice...You have a vote! Use It!

-You’re an American! -Born in the land of the brave & home of the free! -Thousands before us have bled & die for the rights & freedoms we enjoy! -As I speak young men & women are in harms way in Iraq & Afghanistan.

My friend, you are blessed by God to live in this nation...You’re not: -Struggling in Iraq or Afghanistan due to war & civil unrest! ....Nor... -Starving in Sudan for lack of food! 70,000 have died & 1.5 million in refugee camps.

[Soldier4Christ]

-Searching for hope & meaning in the west bank or Gaza Strip in Israel.

You live in the land of ...baseball...hotdogs...apple pies & Chevrolet’s!

You have the right to vote...take it & make it count for good!
Quote: When it comes to a showdown, Washington must never forget who rules ------ the people. ~Will Rogers
You have the opportunity to be heard through your vote...to elect those who embrace the things of God!

2. You have the Responsibility to vote: Romans 13:1
For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…

As a citizen of this great nation...&...as a child of God you have the responsibility to get involved!
Your involvement ... -Makes a difference! -It has an impact! -Brings about change that is Godly & good!

There’re plenty of examples in scripture where God’s people got involved in politics!

“Politics” ~ The affairs of government...politicians....& political parties.

For example:
-Genesis 41:39-41 Pharaoh gave Joseph political control of all Egypt.

-Exodus 5:2-4 Moses went before Pharaoh as God’s ambassador asking for the freedom of God’s people.

-Samuel 3 Samuel the prophet & judge choose Saul as Israel’s king.

-Esther 1 Esther the queen saved the whole Jewish nation from execution.

-Daniel 1 Daniel served in the king’s court, while obeying God.

-And of course there was Jesus who was one for the most divisive figure in history religiously....socially...& politically!

As Americans & as Christians we have a responsibility to vote!

We also have the responsibility to pray & support our leaders.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 The nation of Israel in captivity & bondage!
The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, sends this message to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: "Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food you produce. Marry, and have children. Then find spouses for them, and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray to the LORD for that city where you are held captive, for if Babylon has peace, so will you."

Look you have a right to vote...then when all is said & done if your man or party doesn’t win you have a responsibility to pray & support that man for as he goes...so goes the nation ...&...so goes you & your family


3. You have a Reason to vote: Proverbs 29:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
We are Christians first....Americans second!

Christian live under a Theocracy ~ in other words we are subject to divine authority! We answer to God first & for most! It’s about His agenda!

As Americans...we live under a Democracy...we have a say & vote in government.

Therefore, we should seek to elect those whose beliefs ....morals...& values best line up w/ the word of God!

-It’s not about party...personality....or promises! -It’s about character ... integrity....truthfulness & uprightness!

The reason we vote is to bring about an atmosphere & environment in this nation that honors God & draws us closer to Him!
However, the mindset seems to be....I’ll vote for the one who honors me & draws me closer to the things I want in life!

The Preamble of the Constitution says... We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

From there the articles & Amendments unfold that protect us from the tyranny the founders, fathers & framers had known in Europe!

I said that to say this... -It’s not the government’s responsibility to provide you a job! -It’s not the government’s duty to provide you healthcare! -The government is not obligated to give you prescriptions drugs. -Or a house...an education...nor a retirement check!
That my friend is communism & socialism & not the democracy & capitalism on which this nation was built!

The government job is to stay out of your life & allow you to work hard...study hard & reach for what ever star you so chose!

In other words the less government the better!!!

As a Christian your vote should enlarge the kingdom of God & not the kingdom of self!

Quote: The promising season ends on Election Day. That same night, the alibi season begins and lasts for the next four years. ~ Will Rogers

[Soldier4Christ]

As we approach November the 2nd election day 2004.... The name-calling & back-biting will get worse...the accusations & lie will on intensify & the promise will on get bigger!

So how does one navigate through all the rhetoric?

It’s really simple...remember who you are! Remember who’s you are!
You are a child of God who has been given a Right...Responsibility...&...Reason to vote in such a way that is honors God & enlarges the kingdom!