By Dr. Jeff Fuller

I found an interesting article on internet at ChristianAnswers.Net by Dr. Jeffrey L. Myers, which were excerpts from his book Vital Truth: Christian Citizenship.  This is my review of the article:

Arguments have been made that it is best to keep Christians out of the voting booth and the election business.  Reasons have been varied to support this absurd ideology.  Some claim politics is a dirty business where Christians should not be involved.  Others spout off about the Separation of Church and State (by the way that is another article I will cover soon).  Christians will try to stand on the principle we are citizens of heaven, not earth.

Incredible some of the excuses people will make not to vote.

Someone said they heard of a church where members thought it was against God's will to vote. Concerned that a corrupt politician would win a local election, church members gathered for an all-night prayer vigil. The next morning they went about their daily affairs, refused to vote trusting their prayers would be answered.  The result was that the good candidate lost and did so by fewer than the number of votes represented by those attending the prayer meeting.

There really is a high cost paid in order to be indifferent.  Christians complain endlessly about seedy politics, “mud throwing” and the endless stream of political phone calls we receive when it gets close to election time.  It seems they will make up their minds to remove themselves from the corruption.  When it comes to the day to make a difference, fewer than half of them will actually vote.  That is also the time when we find that some are not even registered!

This would be a good time for me to say to you: “If you do not vote, then you have lost the right to complain!”  

It is time that Christians took a greater interest in politics, in voting and in government.  Therefore, allow me to share with you why Christians should exercise their right, privilege and obligation to be good citizens of this great nation.

First, remember God has granted us authority.  All authority belongs to God, but He has put human beings on the earth as caretakers.  As caretakers Jesus said we are to go out and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey God in every area of life.  This includes politics as we disciple people to make godly decisions about government, promoting the efforts of those who are already doing so. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Secondly, we need to stand against evil.  St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God's kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man.  The alternative is unthinkable.  In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa.  The result was tragic!  According to historian R. J. Rummel, almost 170 million men, women and children have been brutally murdered by these governments, all in the name of human progress.

These facts led historian John Hallowell to note, “Only through a return to faith in God, as God revealed Himself to man in Jesus Christ, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil.”

Third, Christian values contribute positively to society.  God’s Word is the book we live by and in reality, the Bible’s solutions to world problems makes far better sense.  It is Christian involvement in government through the ages that gave us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, the elevation of women, regard for human life, great works of art and literature, a workable system of justice, education for common people, the free-enterprise system, and much, much more.

When we see the good that results from applying God's principles, and the horror that results from rejecting them, does it not seem cruel and irresponsible to keep Jesus’ teachings about truth, love and compassion to ourselves?  At the very least, we should vote to keep out of office those who attempt to oppose God's authority.

Fourth, obedience to authority demands good citizenship.  The Apostle Paul, in writing to the church at Rome, clearly states that we must obey governmental leaders because all authority comes from God! (Romans 13)  There is a catch: in America, the people are the leaders!  It is here, at least, the Christian is afforded as an expression of our obedience to God by exercising our rights and privileges as citizens. That means voting.

Lastly, Good citizenship sets an example for generations to come.  Those who apply God's principles to government pave the way for generations of blessing.  In 1768 a Christian minister named John Witherspoon became president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton. While there he taught biblical principles of government to his students.  Of the 478 young men who were graduated during his tenure, writes author John Eidsmoe:

“114 became ministers; 13 were state governors; 3 were U. S. Supreme Court judges; 20 were U.S. Senators; 33 were U. S. Congressmen; Aaron Burr, Jr. became Vice-President; and James Madison became President.”

As a Christian, Witherspoon exerted an enormous influence on the direction of American government.

We may not have the gifts or calling of a Witherspoon, but we do have the ability to make a difference, to allow our principles to have a voice and to turn the tide of America!  It will be done by the Christians of America doing what others have done for years: GO VOTE!

Until next time…

Dr. Jeff Fuller is pastor of the Rockford Baptist Church in Rockford, Alabama. 

You may reach him through the church office at 256-377-4900 or by email at fuller0717@gmail.com