DO NOT-NOT VOTE

by CharlesRobey
(Trussville, AL USA)

"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:30)

Do not, not vote! Bad grammar, you say. However, for the devoted Christian, it is not only bad grammar, it's bad religion. We Christians must vote, if we value our civil and religious freedoms. Not voting is a "no win" mindset. Have you not been keeping up with our country’s dynamics? Please read on.

I have heard of several who claim to be devoted Christians state that they were not going to vote in this upcoming American presidential election. Let me just remind those, whomever they may be, that not voting is in fact probably voting by proxy for the candidate that these Christians probably think less of. And this "no vote" may just give evil charge over good. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

This upcoming presidential American election is too critical not to exercise our Christian right and privilege of voting. You see, if we Christians don't vote, following the scriptures as best that we can, according to the knowledge that we have, then if an aftermath of evil comes, what part would we have played in the outcome? Would we have been a party to the problem or the solution? Just please stop and meditate on this answer in dedicated prayer.

It appears in recent years that America has seen an upward trend of cynicism against the free political process. And a good number of our American citizens no longer think very highly of the government of politics. Sad to say however, many of this populace are seen as practicing Christians.

Realizing too, once we commit our lives to Christ, our citizenship is converted to Heaven (Philippians 3:20). However, until Christ calls us home, we are still to be good citizens of this old earth.

Yet we Christians must realize and understand that the authorities were established by God (Romans 13:1) and instituted by God (Romans 13:2), through His servants (Romans 13:4-6). Therefore, we Christians are to submit to these authorities (Romans 13:1, 5), pay our taxes (Romans 13:6), and give them the proper respect (Romans 13:7). How then can we be devoted to God's principles, and yet refuse to vote?

The state has certain obligations and so do we. Jesus taught that the state and God both have their appropriate claims on us. However, God's authority and claim over us must always take top priority. (Please read Matthew Chapter Twenty-Two)

We now live in a republic whereby we have the privilege to vote for those who will govern us for an established period of time. Will we let our apathy and ignorance of politics be a subtle form of rebellion against God? I pray not. We are to pray, then vote intelligently, seek the truth and make our assessments as best we can upon our Christian convictions.

We must pray that our governmental authorities will seek to serve the Gospel's interests (1 Cor 15:1-4) with Godly integrity within our national, regional and local governments. And then we as dedicated Christians must have a daily spiritual self-examination through our prayers and devotions. God is waiting to hear from us (Psalm 27:8).

In conclusion, as Jesus said in the introductory Scripture, "if we are not for Him, we are against Him." There is no neutral ground, no middle ground, and no gray areas. We have an obligation as Christians to vote against any announced agenda that is contrary to God's principles. If we fail to do this, we need to read (1 John 1:9).

Author's Postscript:

I pray this blog may help in convincing others to take part in the voting process. Taking part means to compare the candidates’ schemas with the dictates of the Holy Scriptures. You see, the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) which came from God through the men who wrote it (2 Peter 1:21).

So, prayerfully compare these candidates’ agendas with God's Word and vote. Not only plan to vote, but encourage your family and friends to vote also. Remember, Christianity must win out. There is no plan "B"