CHAPTER 4
WHY VOTE?

Voting has been a part of this world since the men first cast lots in the Bible. Lots represented votes. Dictionary.com says the definition of voting is “A formal expression of preference for a candidate for office or for a proposed resolution of an issue.” Whenever a decision has to be made, people usually depend on the vote to make the final decision. This is usually because discussion alone did not bring the participants into unanimous agreement. Therefore voting or casting lots is used to make the decisions based on the majority’s view. Voting is used in board rooms, interviews, neighborhood covenants, sororities, fraternities, and even used to pick a captain in a simple game of kickball. Voting implies authority. When you vote it means you have authority to support an idea, a person, an establishment or disagree with an idea, a person or an establishment.

There are two groups of non-voters. One believes their vote does not make a difference and the other feels they should not be involved in politics because of their religious beliefs. First, I will address the non-voters who choose not to vote because they feel that it does not make a difference. The last two Presidential elections were determined by two states respectively, Florida and Ohio. This is the world that we live in and we have a chance to create the society that we should live in. When we choose not to partake in the voting process we are leaving the world to create a society in which we have no input. If a law is created to make all second graders stay in school for twelve hours and we do not vote on it, then we have lost our right to say anything about it later. When you choose to speak up for what you believe in, it is essentially a vote. You are voicing your opinion on a matter and hopefully that opinion reflects God’s values. Your vote is your tool to voice your opinion. When you speak out about issues, you are letting people know your point of view. This is what we do in our daily conversation, we voice our opinion on certain issues. A vote is just an extension of that.

At one time in history African-Americans and women did not have the right to vote and their voice was not heard. They had to live by the laws that only white men created. When they became vocal, laws were changed, and views were taken into consideration. They could vote for Presidential elections and local elections. Imagine what this world would be like today if minorities and women could not vote? When we choose not to vote, we are leaving our power on the table for others to use.

As Christians, we are not of this world but we live in this world and we have to adapt to the laws that are put in place. Does it make sense to allow a government to put laws in place and we just abide by them with no voice? If we have the opportunity to make the world a better place with our vote, does it make sense to do this? Let us say there is a law that says that kids only go to school up to the third grade and after that they have to educate themselves. Now as parents we would be outraged. If we do not vote and allow this law to take place then we are responsible for all the children’s education stopping at the third grade because we chose not to vote. We have to live in this society and we have the power to influence it according to the values and views that God has instilled in us. The Holy Spirit guides us based on what God has established. Our vote is an extension of our beliefs and our beliefs as Christians should be what the Word of God says. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.

God is calling His people out from the undercover roles they have been playing as Christians. He is calling His sheep from behind the walls of silence and he wants us to expose our true Christian beliefs. If we are Christians, then the world needs to know this not just from lip service but through our vote. Many make the comment that I would do something if I could or I sure wish they would change that law. Your ability to set up a Godly government lies in your vote. Many of us are undercover Christians. An undercover person is one who conceals their identity. They do not want anyone to know who they really are. It is a form of deception. They have a secret identity. To keep you from knowing who they really are, they act or behave differently. God says is if you deny Him before men, He will deny you before the Father. Are you an undercover Christian? As Christian people, the world needs to know what we stand for. What do we stand for? Hopefully we stand for the Word of God.

Luke 9:26 tells us “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Who are we trying to please, man or God? If the Word of God says that killing is wrong, then when it is time to vote for legally killing babies through abortion or for the death penalty, you should run to the poles and vote an astounding NO! You are not of this world, and this means you belong to God. Not being of this world means that I do not live for Satan but I live for Christ Jesus although I live on earth. God has given us power and it is time to stop letting Satan influence us in our decisions. It is time to stop being an idle Christian with no voice.

Why vote? We have the power to change our world to reflect God’s views until He calls us home. Our children have to grow up and we have to live here until the coming of Christ Jesus. We need to set up a government for our children to live in just as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Noah did. We have been given the torch to pass on to future generations. What type of fire will be in our torch. Will it be the fire of the Holy Spirit of the fire of Satan and Hell. Someday when we get to heaven, we may ask Jesus why did you let prayer leave school and I believe he will turn around and answer why did you let prayer leave the school? I gave you all power. I gave you all authority but you did not exercise it. God is in control and He has given all power to us through the Holy Spirit. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:20, 26) God can do anything but if we have been charged to govern this earth, then we choose what type of world do we want to live in. You can decide with your vote!

To the voters, vote your God-given values. Vote righteously! Vote for candidates that reflect God’s values. This is where the rubber meets the road. God knows your heart. Speak up about the things that are not of God. Speak out against neglecting the poor. Speak out against corporations mismanaging their employees retirement. Speak out against abortion. Speak out against the marriage union if it is not of God. Speak out against taking away social security from the elderly. Speak out against child abuse. Speak out against racism. Speak out against prejudice in the workplace. Speak out against neglect. Speak out against domestic violence. God gave you a voice, so use it!


Growing Morally Questions
Am I an undercover Christian?
Do I support Christ’s values openly?
Do I vote?
Am I willing to vote for issues that make my world a better place to live?
Am I setting up a government based on God’s word for future generations?

Prayer
Father, we praise You in the name of Jesus Christ. We thank You so much for blessing us with freedom. Lord many countries do not share the same freedoms that we have here within the United States. Many have laws that are forced upon them. Lord many are persecuted and jailed for just sharing your word. Thank you Lord that You allowed us to be born into a country that allows us to exercise our freedoms. We ask You in Jesus name to help me understand how important voting is and our place in society. Let our opinion be based on Your Word and let it be shown in our vote. Let our vote be an extension of the values that You have placed in us. Let us not take our vote for granted. Let us use our vote to create an environment that is pleasing to You. Let us use our vote to vote for acts of peace, to help the poor and needy and to create a safe environment for our children to grow up in. We pray this in Jesus holy name. Amen.


Biblical References – Moral Checkup

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
Hebrews 11:6

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:20

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
James 2:14-16