Dr. Jim Denison writes in his 'Forum on Truth and Culture ' today http://www.denisonforum.org/cultural-commentary regarding apathy, or one might say pessimism and 'checking out,' of Americans in their political process. Alarmingly, I find this to be true even among church members, who, painfully, are often little more than 'christianized' (lower c) versions of the culture they inhabit.
But hear me - Jesus did not call us to apathy regarding any of life's issues - neither the gospel nor our politics. Instead, He has called us to be as salt and light - so that every decision we make and action we take might be with the intention of making Him known.
Some would argue that a "Christian vote' must 'always' be for one party or platform - the party or platform supporting all conservative issues, for instance. But, I would argue that Jesus may be less concerned with our issues than we. What matters to our Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, is that we who know Him are lending due diligence to the charge He's given - the gospel. And this may be done even while standing in a polling line.
In America we've been given such privilege, and by choosing not to vote we miss an opportunity to bear witness to our calling of presenting Christ as we tender our privilege and responsibility as citizens of honor. In short, rendering to Caesar that which is Caesar's is more than just paying taxes, it is modeling our good citizenship before all of God's people, so that all may know that a Christ-servant is, in the least and for the best, a servant of all.
In the end our hope must be to realize what matters most - that sharing the gospel of Christ is of utmost importance, not winning or losing an election. And, that by participating in all of life excellently, with 'Christ-skin' on, we might utilize our most effective voice.
Jesus said, 'if I be lifted up I will draw all me unto me,' which is both a theological truth and a practical reality. Christ was lifted onto a cross to become our way of salvation, and... as we lift Him up in everyday citizenship people still see Him - even when standing in line at the polls.
Blessed Voting,
Pastor Sam
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