Who are you voting for, Preacher?
Have you ever heard the expression, “I just held my nose and voted?” Those who say this generally mean that they did not disapprove of the person for whom they voted as much as all the other candidates in the race. There may be someone else on the ballot whom they prefer, but since they did not want to “waste” their vote, they supported the “lesser of the evils.” They voted for someone who they believed actually had a chance of winning. Should the degree of evil be the deciding factor for the Christian when choosing a candidate? Is that not the equivalent of comparing a “white lie” with a “boldface lie?” They both are lies and God says that ALL liars will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8).
What if Jesus were running as a candidate? Would you vote for Him? Think about it. The majority of people will always reject Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus WILL NOT win the election. Will you “waste” your vote on Him?
What reasons do you give in support of your chosen candidate? Is it because he promises to balance the budget, cut or raise taxes? Are your reasons of support primarily because of physical advantage the candidate promises? Or is it because you belong to a particular political party and you are loyal to that party?
In Proverbs 14:34 we read, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” As a Christian the decision should be based only upon righteousness. What a candidate promises to do about money should not determine whether he is worthy of our support. The Lord promises that if we seek the kingdom of God and righteousness first, that God will supply all our material needs (Mt. 6:33). We should not rely upon man to take care of us. “In God we trust” is printed on our currency. Do you trust in God, or the money upon which these words are printed?
I once asked a man to give me one reason, based upon righteousness, for his candidate choices. His reply; “I’d have to make something up to fit that category.” How about you? How many reasons based upon righteousness can you give in support of your candidates?
As a gospel preacher I am often asked, “Who are you voting for, preacher?” I will vote for those whom I believe will help our nation to be righteous. I will not argue or debate over material reasons to support a candidate. As a Christian, my physical welfare is not determined by who is elected (Matt. 6:33). More important, my eternal destiny is not determined by who is elected (Rom. 8:1). But if my participation in any election is not guided by spiritual precepts, then I have failed to trust my Lord. Those whom I choose to support may never win an election. But my vote will never be wasted in the sight of God. I will always vote for righteousness.
Do I have to?
There once was a couple who were introduced to the gospel of Christ. They were immediately interested and became zealous to obey what they learned. It was not long before they were baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38), and began their new life (2 Cor. 5:17). They proudly proclaimed to all with whom they came into contact, “Christ is first in our lives!” This message was not just delivered by word, but also by action. They faithfully attended every scheduled church service, were involved in private home Bible studies with family members and friends, volunteered for work that needed to be done around the church building, and always attended and created opportunities to fellowship with their Christian family members. They were active, zealous and happy.
But one day things began to change. This new Christian couple began to spend time with a family of “older” Christians. The younger brethren noticed that these older brethren only attended services on Sunday morning. Upon discussing this and other Bible subjects with these more “mature” brethren, the younger Christian’s attitude and actions began to change. They began to miss services to attend worldly entertainment events. They chose to work during church assembly times. They were absent from periods of fellowship, and their interest in volunteer work became nonexistent.
Noticing a change, concerned brethren went to visit the young Christian family. The concerned brethren were informed that, “The Bible does not say you have to go to every church service. Only Sunday morning is mandatory. Anyone who says differently is legalistic! But understand, Christ is still first in our lives.”
Before too long the young Christian family began to miss their self-designated “mandatory” Sunday morning service. They were seldom involved in periods of fellowship and never volunteered for anything. They were also noticeably less happy.
While the above story is fictitious, many congregations could put faces on both the younger and older Christians in the story. We have heard the excuses over and over from those trying to justify living the lukewarm life (Rev. 3:16). And almost always we are informed by those who choose worldly affairs over activities of spiritual enrichment that, “Christ is still first my life!”
Give honest reflection to the following statements:
1. I know that Christ is first in my life when I choose not to attend church services even though I know God is in attendance.
2. I am made stronger, and I grow faster as a Christian when I choose to stay away from opportunities to study God’s word.
3. When I choose to miss church services, I know my example will help others to grow stronger as Christians.
4. By choosing to stay away from church services I proclaim my love for God and am showing my appreciation for all He has done for me.
5. I know that if everyone follows my example of attendance that the Lord’s church has a better chance of saving more souls.
6. I know that by choosing not to attend church services that I am in complete obedience concerning God’s will on this subject.
7. I know that by choosing to miss opportunities to study the Bible and worship God that I am putting God first.
Do you agree with the preceding statements? For those who proclaim, “Legalism! Rule keeping,” I implore you to listen carefully. God-given common sense tells a person that they will do what they can to express their love and gratitude to those whom they truly love. He who puts Christ first does not HAVE to obey God; He constantly DESIRES to put God first. For those who respond, “The Bible does not say I have to…,” we ask, “How can your heart be right with God if you do not desire to do those things that express your love” (John 14:15)?
Suppose a husband said to his wife, “The Bible does not say that I have to do THAT to express my love to you, so do not expect it!” Or a wife who says to her husband, “Make me a list of what I HAVE to do to be a good wife. I am not doing anything that is not on the list!” Would you consider these relationships to be healthy/spiritual?
To the older Christians, I suggest you read Matthew 18:6. To all Christians, I encourage you to remember Matthew 6:33 and Galatians 2:20. Do you have to follow rules, or, do you want to express your love to God (1 Cor. 13:3)?
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