Every week, the article that appears here is simply the sermon that I delivered on the previous Sunday morning at Abundant Grace Fellowship. I just put it in written form on Sunday night or Monday morning, and send it in. This week, Dr. Cecil Paxton delivered the message to the church, and we were blessed by it. However, this resulted in me not having a Sunday sermon. But don’t worry, I always have plenty say. Actually, this works out great; in that it allows me to do some “shooting from the hip” concerning responsible citizenship. Let’s get into The Word.

The Bible says, that to whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12:48). If your given five talents, or two talents, or one talent; you are responsible to do something with the talents you are given (Mt 25:15-28). Our Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Communist nation, dictatorship, or any other government that doesn’t allow you to vote for your leaders: they will not be held accountable for not voting. They had no opportunity. However, if you live in a nation such as ours; you do have opportunity to influence your government for good.

Jesus told us to render to Caesar, that which is Caesars (Mt 22:21). In context, He was talking about paying your taxes and giving to God. It’s not an either/or proposition. You are to do both. Yet, could this not refer to being a responsible citizen in general? Jesus wasn’t a Roman citizen 2,000 years ago. He was a Jew, whose land was occupied by Rome. He had no rights, really. Yet He said to render unto Caesar, that which is Caesars. What if Jesus was a U.S. citizen today? Do you think He would vote? Would that be part of rendering unto Caesar? If He did vote, what kind of person would He vote for? Think about that for a moment.

The Bible says, that as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men; especially our Brothers and Sisters in Christ (Gal 6:10). Could voting for a Godly candidate be considered opportunity to do good? I think so. The Bible says, that whatsoever we do in word or deed, we are to do in The Name of The Lord Jesus (Col 3:17). “Whatsoever” certainly includes voting.

Now don’t get me wrong. The great commission isn’t to change the world through politics. As Christians, we want to reach people’s hearts with the Gospel. But for a Christian to abandon the opportunity to influence their culture for good through government, in a society that grants that opportunity: that’s just irresponsible. The apostle Paul used the fact that he was a Roman citizen to influence governors and kings with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Act 22 -28). Are you going to accuse Paul of “messing around in politics”? Maybe he did. But it was to the glory of God.

All it takes for evil to prevail, is for a good man to do nothing. It’s time for men and women who are true Christians, to start voting for people who are true Christians; or at least someone who lives and upholds Judeo-Christian values (and just doesn’t pretend to in an election year). You may think that such a person does not exist. Let me assure you, they exist. But you may have to look deeper than the six o’clock news. You may have to put forth some effort, and think for yourself: and not be spoon-fed by popular opinion.

As a Christian, we should be able to lay our head down at night, knowing we honored God in all we did that day (Mic 6:8). We should walk with a clear conscience. We should not be ruled by fear, or intimidated by the unknown. We should simply honor our God in all we do, and let Him take care of the results; that’s His responsibility. Our responsibility is to do all things to the glory of God (1Cor 10:31). I pray you would consider these things this election year, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!