Monday, October 27, 2008

Conscientious Voting

The Bible tells us that all mankind have been given the ability to discern right from wrong -- a conscience [See Romans 2:15]. Yet, it seems that our culture, and perhaps the basic nature of man, is to pursue not that inner voice of conscientiousness, but those things that suit our own sense of "mine." We want "our" way, "our" things, "our" rights... often at the expense of the "general good." Scripture is filled with references of what happens to a society where everyone defines their own "right and wrong." [i.e. Judges 17:6, Jeremiah 11:8; 44:15-16] Eventually there is no moral standard, no commitment to the welfare and care of others, and the foundation of their society decays and crumbles. Ecclesiastics 11:9 reminds us that there will be an accounting for each one's actions and choices. 

Zechariah 7:9-10 tells us, This is what the Lord of Heaven desires; "Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other." 

And the apostle Paul instructs us to not just consider our own interests but to remember to consider the welfare of others (Philippians 2:4).

We have a precious privilege and responsibility as Americans. We can be heard. We can make a difference. Our voice is important. We have the ability to shape the context of our culture. Before we consider what laws and lawmakers we will choose on November 4, lets spend a few moments consider the Will and Purposes of The Law-Giver. Before we cast our vote this year, lets make an effort as followers of Christ, to prayerfully consider if our vote is reflecting the One we serve.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great thoughts Robyn. We can tend to seperate our vote as citizens from our effort to serve Christ - but they are not seperate activities.

Greg

About Me

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Robyn Henk, author of B.L.E.S.S.E.D, discovering God’s bigger dream for you, wife of 38 years, mother of six grown children, and grandmother of three. The experience of God’s gracious love and provision in her life has led to her passion of bringing women into deeper intimacy with God, and fuller understanding of God’s love and providence for their lives. She has attended classes in Theology and Christian Ministry at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, as well as researching The Geographic and Archeological History of the Bible in Israel and Rome, with Azusa Pacific University. Robyn has spoken on three continents and developed and spoke at the Women of Purpose Conference in Kiev, Ukraine; Kitale, Kenya; and to the Lakota and Dine’ First Nations in America. She has also taught Spiritual Disciplines, Parenting, Christian Leadership for Women, and Teaching for Significance clinics.