A Christian Vote!

Psalm 33:12 states: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance”

Authority figures come in all shapes and sizes and at different places in life: Moms and dads, school teachers, bosses, etc.  Little Johnny was going to a public school and he was doing very badly in math. So his mother decided to put him into a Catholic school. When she got his report card at the end of the term, his marks in math had improved tremendously. So she asked him why. He replied, "When I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they meant business!"

There are authority figures up and down your ballot this week. Paul writes to the Roman church and speaks about authorities in this world: He teaches Authorities are established by God,  Authorities punish the wrongdoers, and Authorities must be respected by all.

1. Authorities are established by God.

Romans 13:1 – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God… ithe believers response is submission. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. There is no authority except that which God has established.

The Roman government was worse than what we see this election cycle. Paul is reminding the believers…there is no authority except that which God has established. Matthew 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…so God make disciples.”

The law is God-ordained. No country in this world can live without some kind of law. If there were no laws anywhere there would be complete chaos and evil would run rampant. So God has ordained for mankind to have law and have authorities over us such as the police, governors, and presidents…Remember, God is telling us how to live which influences our vote.

            Authorities are established by God.

2. Authorities Punish Wrong Doers.

Romans 13:3 – “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”

A routine police patrol parked outside a Lafayette, LA, Bar. After last call, the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the street for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles, the man managed to find his car, which he fell into. He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.

Finally the man started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry night), flicked the blinkers on and off, honked the horn, and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little, and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left. At last he pulled out of the parking lot and started to drive slowly down the road.

The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over, and carried out a breathalyzer test. To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, "I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken."

"I doubt it," said the man. "Tonight I'm the designated decoy."

Christians are not above the law, We are not above those in authority, we are also not to avoid the law or cheat to get around the law.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

You are voting for God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. On Tuesday (unless you voted early) we will be examining the person whom we feel will be best at bringing punishment for those who do wrong and for bring commendation for those who do right. In study, meditation, and prayer … God reveals to us how to live … we learn we are to vote for the person who will best preserve the truths of justice, humility, and liberty.

Authorities are established by God.

            Authorities punish wrongdoers…

3. Authorities must be respected by all.

Romans 13:7 – “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

A couple of young boys were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track. All of a sudden, the game warden jumped out of the bushes. Immediately, one of the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods like a bat out of a cave. The game warden was hot on his heels.

After about a half mile, the young man stopped and stooped over with his hands on his thighs to catch his breath, so the game warden finally caught up to him. "Let's see yer fishin' license, boy!" the warden gasped.

With that, the boy pulled out his wallet and gave the game warden a valid fishing license. "Well, son," said the game warden, "you must be about as dumb as a box of rocks! You don't have to run from me if you have a valid license!" "Yes, sir," replied the young guy, "but my friend back there, well, he don't have one."

Respect for authorities or the law means to have a fishing license when it’s required. Respect for the law means to abide by the law whatever that law is. Respect for the law means to pay your taxes even if you don’t like to pay them.

The authorities, whoever they are, are God’s servant and deserve our respect…when the leaders and people of authority demonstrate their authority well … they will also receive honor. God is telling us … Christ-followers …  how to live which influences our vote.

Authorities are established by God.

            Authorities punish wrongdoers.

                        Authorities are to be respected by God’s People.

So what are we to do?  Let’s pray for our nation and take careful thought of how we will vote in any election.

Daniel Webster wrote: “Finally, let us not forget the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought here by their high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate Biblical principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political, or literary.”  We live as Jesus to the world … We live Christian values in our lives … including our votes.

You know I love ya, Don