Friday, July 6, 2007
Romans 13:1 The powers that be are ordained of God.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY
Years ago my family and I got the chance to see replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria while these ships were in Galveston, TX on a tour of American ports. I was in awe of Columbus and his men who set out across the Atlantic in small vessels in a time when many thought it possible to sail off the edge of the world. But even more impressive than the feat itself is the series of events set in motion by the voyage of Columbus -- the migration of Europeans to the New World, and the birth of our nation.
For Christians, recalling such a voyage should serve as a reminder to thank God for what He has given this country, especially the freedom we have to worship God and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also a time for us to ask what we as Christian citizens can do for our country. It is God's will that His children be obedient and helpful to civil government (always remembering that God is the highest authority).
Besides praying for our country (addressed earlier this week), another important thing we can do for our country is to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens. These may include serving on a jury or even running for office. One responsibility much neglected in our country is voting. It takes time and effort to vote intelligently, but we should think of it as a responsibility, not just as a privilege we can take or leave.
Our church body and our congregations rightly do not participate in political campaigns, and our pastors do not endorse candidates from the pulpit, because choosing a candidate to vote for is a matter of wisdom and judgment, not a matter of doctrine.
But our Christian faith does and should influence our choices in the voting booth. As Christians we will want to do more than automatically support our party's choice or vote our pocket books. We will be concerned about whether our representatives are decent men and women who will uphold and foster what is right, not just what is on top in the opinion polls. This is far more important than where a candidate stands on energy policy, on the farm program, or any other matter of personal importance to us.
The blessings we have enjoyed in our country come from God. If we are to continue to enjoy them, it is to God that we need to look. And we need to recognize the role that He would have us play as His children living in this country.
