Elections – Freedom – Huge Implications

In America, we are blessed with many freedoms that other people across the world do not enjoy. One of those freedoms involves the privilege to vote. Elections involve the selection of leaders who will not only be responsible for governing but will also be instrumental in passing laws that the people will be forced to follow. In years past, the people of America have often complained about the loss of freedom in relation to Bible reading, prayer, the display of the Ten Commandments, the display of manger scenes on Government property, and the instruction of creationism in science classrooms. When we consider these issues, who is it that should be blamed? Should we point at the politicians or the people? The Constitution of the United States still reads, “We the People.” Therefore, if Christians have any need to blame someone for the loss of these freedoms – it seems that they should blame themselves for voting in accordance with liberal agendas rather than God’s Word. As we consider the implications of elections, lets review what God’s Word has to say about our responsibility to obey the laws and leaders of our land from Romans 13:1-7.Christians Should Be Submissive To Their Leaders (Romans 13:1-4)The first thing that we see in this text written to the Christians in Rome is that Paul informs them that all leaders (rulers) are ordained of God. This was written in a culture where no voting privileges were given to the people. This was also written during a context of intolerance toward Christianity. Therefore, the point is clear – Paul wanted these people to realize that there is no power except of God! All authority is given to leaders by God.Paul also instructed these people about the laws and governing rules. They (the rulers) are called “God’s ministers.” Their purpose is to rule in accordance with good and punish the evil doer. They are to uphold that which is good and rule against that which is evil in such a way as to keep peace. Paul told these Christians that they had nothing to fear if they do what is right, but they must fear if they do that which is evil. Paul also says that these rulers do not bear the sword in vain. This was written during a time when Christians were dying by the sword – but they were placed in office by God. It may have seemed confusing to these people, but the overarching point remains clear – the people were to rest in God’s power rather thant he power of the rulers.Application for the Christian:1. We must vote in accordance with God’s Word. If we vote any other way, we will be forced to obey the leaders who gain office. If they are wicked leaders, we will be forced to obey their rule.2. Laws that are passed must be followed. Unless the leaders force us to disobey God – we as Christians must obey. When they do ask us to disobey our God, we must disobey them, but with that may come punishments that we as Christians must accept.3. To disobey the rulers of the land is to disobey God.If the people of America vote for a person who passes laws that prohibit preachers from preaching against homosexuality. The preacher must preach the Bible (Leviticus 18), but if he is caught breaking that law, he is called to pay the penalty peacefully. That is exactly what Christ Jesus did. He came and accomplished the will of the Father. However, that will caused Him to die on the cross. Wicked people (rulers) crucified Him, and He died peacefully. That is exactly how Christians are called to accept their punishment.If the people of the United States vote for a person who passes laws that prohibit us from preaching the sweet doctrine of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ in the name of tolerance? We as Christians are called to tell people that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). However, it may cause us to be thrown into jail. Rather than fighting – we are to go peacefully. That is what John Bunyan did in Bedford England. He spent 12 years in prison for preaching Jesus Christ because he was unwilling to agree to quit preaching.Therefore, the point is clear. All Christians are called to vote in accordance to God’s Word. When we vote, we must take it seriously because we will be forced to obey leaders and accept their punishment after they are voted into office.Christians Should Pay Their Taxes (Romans 13:5-7)Paul was writing to encourage these Christians in Rome to “render unto Caesar what was Caesars.” Paul informed these Christians that they are called to pay all taxes since those who collect them are the ministers of God. He went on to emphasize the way in which they were to pay their taxes. According to Paul, the Christians were to do so with reverence and respect for the tax collectors.Application for the Christian:1. Christians are called to pay the IRS.2. Christians must pay all taxes owed.3. If Christians rob the IRS they rob God.Like in the previous point, these implications are enormous. The Christian has a responsibility to vote in accordance with God’s Word. When wicked leaders gain authority and pass wicked laws, the Christians are called to submit. This is true even in the case of money.Suppose that the people of the United States vote for leaders who pass a special tax which is placed upon Bibles. Christians will be forced to pay those taxes, but it may prevent the printing, distribution, and availability of Bibles. Rather than robbing from the IRS (and God) – the special tax should be paid.Suppose that the people of America vote for leaders who strip away non-profit status from churches. Christians are forced to pay those taxes, even if it means lowering the annual budget, laying off staff members, and doing less ministry work in order to pay off the Government – the taxes must be paid.ConclusionTherefore, when Christians go to the voting booth, it is important to take Jesus rather than a donkey or an elephant. The laws of the land must be followed. The leaders must be obeyed. So, when a Christian goes to the voting booth, these implications must be understood clearly. A disagreement over economic plans and military conflicts should never take priority over abortion and same sex unions. Moral values may seem like small issues which should be placed on the back burner, but in the end – they remain the most important topics of the election season. Christians must obey God and vote accordingly. In either case – all Christians are called to obey the leaders and laws of the land. Therefore, all Christians should vote for the one they are most willing to submit to because God’s Word calls us all to submit to our rulers. Christians may be the recipients of state sponsored persecution in America some day. We as Christians must vote according to biblical standards in the voting booth and submit to the laws and leaders in the end. Christians may face jail or even sword some day – but as long as we have the right, we as Christians must take Jesus to the voting booth and vote righteously!God Bless America!Rev. Josh Buice. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Special Message: Pastor Josh BuiceA Baptist and his Voting Booth – Some Things to Consider on Election DayRomans 13:1-7Download mp3