Now That The Election Is Over

About half an hour ago I went to the polls and voted. Whatever happens regarding who becomes our president is now out of my hands. Though some will disagree, I have always felt that living in a country with a democratic form of government places a responsibility on me to vote and do what I can to ensure that our country will be a nation that allows men freedom to follow Christian principles without restriction. After all, the Bible does teach that we are to do all of the good that we can and that we will be judged in part by how we use our opportunities.( See Gal. 6:10, James 4:17). Pilate was not right in simply washing his hands of Jesus. He had opportunity to do something about it. Can I sit idly by and do nothing when such issues as abortion, gay marriage, and gambling issues are on the ballot? That is irresponsible., But I also believe that Christians and churches can be too wrapped up in politics. Some are so caught up in their “party” they do not even consider issues. Still others will consider only what a man says that he is for and not what he has proved to be by his record. We need to remember that if the world is to be changed for the good, it will be by the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16-17), and not political means. Governments can change laws, but the gospel changes lives. I believe what the scriptures says in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” Righteousness is practiced, not voted in. Sin is a result of men turning away from God and his word. Political parties won’t change that. Now that the election is over, no matter which way it went, my main focus should be on spreading the gospel of Christ, and living a righteous example before all. Elections change leaders, but the gospel changes hearts., Furthermore, we need remember that though we do not have a command to vote, there are 2 specific commands that we do have regarding our government authorities. First, we must be subject to them. Romans 13:1-3 says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” There is no place for a rebellious spirit among the saints., Too, we are told, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”(1 Tim 2:1-3). We should pray for our new leaders, whoever they are. David Courington