Today I have a thought-provoking article from answersingenesis written by Tony Perkins. This article talked about the importance of voting, and other responsibilities you have in the government. I read through the article and copied what I thought were the most important points to put here. If you want to simply read the whole, original article, click here.
(Begin Perkins)
First let’s define what we mean by “politics.” Politics is the process by which our government and the policies that govern us are shaped. Unfortunately, when the word politics is used, too many people limit the
definition to the partisan wrangling between competing political parties. Partisan politics should not be the focus of the church; influencing the world around us, including government, should be.
As in every other area of life, God’s Word must be our guide. Most evangelicals agree that the church’s primary duty is evangelism and discipleship, not partisan politics. But often as we follow the command of Christ to be salt and light in this fallen world (Matthew 5:13–16), we will find ourselves involved not just in eternal matters, but in matters of the here and now.
Vote Wisely
Exodus 18:21 hints at the timeless principles of selecting good leaders, when this privilege is available to us: “Select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers.” In our modern computer age, it is easy to register to vote and then prayerfully evaluate the candidates. [Detailed information is readily available on various websites (such as iVote Values.org.)]
Pray Wisely
The Apostle Paul encourages believers first to pray for their leaders. To pray wisely, we need to know what is going on in our government. He wrote, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Specifically, we are to pray for our government leaders, including for their salvation (v. 4). We should stay abreast of important political issues and pray as if our prayers will influence the future of the nation because they can and they do.
You cannot fight every battle, and I don’t believe that God expects us to. However, some issues necessitate our full involvement. These are the issues clearly identified in Scripture, most commonly as behaviors that are roundly condemned and bring God’s judgment on nations. One is the shedding of innocent blood (Jeremiah 7:6). We should openly express righteous indignation at this injustice: “Killing an unborn baby made in the image of God is wrong!” Another issue tearing apart the fabric of societies around the world is redefining God’s plan for marriage, which He made clear in Genesis 2 and Christ reiterated in Mark 10:6–9. Sometimes we must let our elected representatives know: “That is enough. It needs to stop!” Otherwise, our silence could be interpreted as tacit approval.
Christians have all sorts of outlets to obey Christ’s command to “render to Caesar” and make a positive salt-and-light impact. Pray, vote, pay taxes, submit to the rule of law, advocate God-honoring laws and stand up to Caesar’s laws when they violate God’s laws. You can even serve others by being in public office.
Here is the bottom line. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans have a right to be a part of shaping their own government. As Christians, we have a responsibility to be a part of shaping our government. But we must realize that each of us ultimately answers to God for the actions we take and the votes we make.
(End Perkins)
With the election coming up this Tuesday, I thought it would be good to share something that might help you make a good Christian decision in politics. I hope this post helps you, and leave any comments below or on Facebook.
(Begin Perkins)
First let’s define what we mean by “politics.” Politics is the process by which our government and the policies that govern us are shaped. Unfortunately, when the word politics is used, too many people limit the
definition to the partisan wrangling between competing political parties. Partisan politics should not be the focus of the church; influencing the world around us, including government, should be.
As in every other area of life, God’s Word must be our guide. Most evangelicals agree that the church’s primary duty is evangelism and discipleship, not partisan politics. But often as we follow the command of Christ to be salt and light in this fallen world (Matthew 5:13–16), we will find ourselves involved not just in eternal matters, but in matters of the here and now.
Vote Wisely
Exodus 18:21 hints at the timeless principles of selecting good leaders, when this privilege is available to us: “Select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers.” In our modern computer age, it is easy to register to vote and then prayerfully evaluate the candidates. [Detailed information is readily available on various websites (such as iVote Values.org.)]
Pray Wisely
The Apostle Paul encourages believers first to pray for their leaders. To pray wisely, we need to know what is going on in our government. He wrote, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Specifically, we are to pray for our government leaders, including for their salvation (v. 4). We should stay abreast of important political issues and pray as if our prayers will influence the future of the nation because they can and they do.
You cannot fight every battle, and I don’t believe that God expects us to. However, some issues necessitate our full involvement. These are the issues clearly identified in Scripture, most commonly as behaviors that are roundly condemned and bring God’s judgment on nations. One is the shedding of innocent blood (Jeremiah 7:6). We should openly express righteous indignation at this injustice: “Killing an unborn baby made in the image of God is wrong!” Another issue tearing apart the fabric of societies around the world is redefining God’s plan for marriage, which He made clear in Genesis 2 and Christ reiterated in Mark 10:6–9. Sometimes we must let our elected representatives know: “That is enough. It needs to stop!” Otherwise, our silence could be interpreted as tacit approval.
Christians have all sorts of outlets to obey Christ’s command to “render to Caesar” and make a positive salt-and-light impact. Pray, vote, pay taxes, submit to the rule of law, advocate God-honoring laws and stand up to Caesar’s laws when they violate God’s laws. You can even serve others by being in public office.
Here is the bottom line. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans have a right to be a part of shaping their own government. As Christians, we have a responsibility to be a part of shaping our government. But we must realize that each of us ultimately answers to God for the actions we take and the votes we make.
(End Perkins)
With the election coming up this Tuesday, I thought it would be good to share something that might help you make a good Christian decision in politics. I hope this post helps you, and leave any comments below or on Facebook.
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