Today is the state primary. We are not affiliated with a political party so we have not voted in any primaries in the past because they were closed primaries. But now we live in an open primary state, so we can vote.
As mentioned in the previous post, “Civic Duty,” we saw a political ad that said false things about a candidate. The ad was paid by a special interest group with money from out of state. That got us upset. So much so that we wondered what we could do besides pray. That’s when Scott found out about open primaries.
There is so much information out that it can be overwhelming to find out facts from fiction. We actually talked with the candidate and he has actual local government experience. So we knew that the ad just wanted people to vote for their candidate. If we didn’t go out of our way to check the facts, it would be simple but wrong to just vote for those that had the most funds to get their name out. No wonder most people don’t want to participate in anything to do with politics.
If we don’t do our part then, we are not fulfilling our part of God’s ordered community. Apostle Paul urges us to work together to do good for our neighbors. This can be as simple as volunteering at your kids’ classroom or neighborhood events.
We need to obey the laws. So we should vote for people who will make good laws for all people, not for a select few. There was a law passed that required a sign at each polling place saying that it was a crime to vote in a political party’s primary without being a member of that party.
People have suggested that Scott run for office. He doesn’t have that calling but he did volunteer to be in our small city council in the past. So he had firsthand knowledge of how government and politics work. There are good and bad. If every believer did their part, I would think there would be more good than bad in government.
Apostle Paul urges us to follow the “Love your neighbor as yourself” command. If we don’t, then as in politics, we’ll destroy each other.
Jesus cared for the poor and oppressed. His brother, James, specifically said to care for orphans and widows. Because we are made in the image of God, we should protect the unborn and immigrants. These are just some of the issues that we and the people we elect should care about.
As part of the community we live in, we are responsible to do right to one another so that we can all live peaceably. Whether we work for the government or not, we are to do good to those God has put in our path.
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for establishing a government to insure domestic tranquility, promote general welfare, and secure Your blessings of liberty. Help us to partner with You in electing those who will glorify You in their service. May You bless this nation as You’ve done in the past.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Philippians 2:3-4
Romans 13:1-5
Titus 3:1-2
Galatians 5:13-15
Luke 14:12-13
James 1:27
Genesis 1:26
Zechariah 7:10
Matthew 25:35
1 Peter 2:14
Luke 3:12-14
Song
“These Days” by Jeremy Camp
Call to action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then read chapter 13 of the book of Romans. Please share your thoughts on how Romans 13 helps in understanding our civil responsibilities.