our right & responsibility

Tomorrow is Election Day, and I believe it is important that we exercise our right to vote.  It is our responsibility as Christians and as good citizens.  Our schools talk about helping children become good citizens.  As parents and family we seek to help our children do what is right and make our nation and the world a better place.
 
With that being said, I believe that part of being a good citizen is using our right to vote.  This post is not intended to make you vote or feel guilty that you don’t.  Further, it is not intended to be a political statement about who to vote for or an issue to deal with.  I ask you to think about yourself in relation to the country where we have the freedom to live, worship, and seek life.
 
Romans 13:1 NLT
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
 
Every person that is in authority has been placed there by God.  Even those who aren’t Christians or don’t care about the values we find in the Bible are put in place by God and for a reason God has for us.  It is our responsibility to understand the place of authority in our lives.
 
Psalm 33:12 NASB

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
 
Nations that seek God will be blessed.  People who seek God will be blessed.  We can look back through our history, that of the United States and even of other nations, and see how God blessed people when they looked to Him.  Our country was founded by people who believed in God and led others to believe in God.
 
1 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
 
I believe our first responsibility is to pray.  Many people complain about our president, our country or government and do nothing to make a difference.  Voting does make a difference, and when we share the values that God has given us, we help others get stronger.  Pray for those in authority over us more than you talk and complain about them.
 
God taught me this years ago when I was complaining about our president, Bill Clinton.  The old saying “you have 2 ears and one mouth” came back to teach me that listening is more important than speaking and in turn praying is much more important than sharing my opinion.  God has more power through my prayer than I do through sharing my thoughts.
 
2 Chronicles 7:14
NLT
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
 
We must seek God more than we do anything else.  Before you vote, seek God.  As we live, seek God, and when God shares truth, respond to Him.  It is at that point that God will bless us, His children.
 
It is time to do what God leads us to do.  I encourage you to vote tomorrow and to share your faith through the love God has given by making your actions and words point completely to Him!

NOTE: much of this post was sharing on my blog in November of 2012