Voting Without Fear

Dear World,

Here in the United States, it's election year. Mom keeps saying this is a big election, I keep telling her that all of them are. But truth be told, I find myself becoming more and more anxious over each Presidential election. I know in my head that the anxiety is useless, but that doesn't really stop it from washing over me.

Today I watched the most recent Blimey Cow (aka Messy Mondays) video on YouTube. One of the things Jordan said really encouraged me:
“I guess I just don’t understand the Christians that get so fearful during election time. As if life hangs in the balance. It’s like they think the country is the only thing protecting them from persecution or death or something. If you need to pledge allegiance to a nation for your safety and security, your God isn’t big enough.” 
It was a good reminder that, ultimately, God is in control. Two things really jumped out at me from this quote:

1. "It’s like they think the country is the only thing protecting them from persecution or death or something."
Is it really such a bad thing if we do come under persecution? Don't get me wrong! I love the thought of a persecution free life. But at the same time, persecution is a gift. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:10-12 [emphasis added]. We are commanded to rejoice in persecution.

2. "If you need to pledge allegiance to a nation for your safety and security, your God isn’t big enough." 
Why put your confidence in politics and politicians when God is the one who is really in control? Romans 13:1 talks about how it is God who allows those in leadership to rule, "...For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." It doesn't matter who is ruling the nation, because ultimately God is ruling the ruler. Proverbs 21:1 states that, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." 

Now please don't use this as an excuse to be lazy. It is still important to get involved in politics. Because we have been given the right to vote, we are held responsible to do our part in electing a God-honoring President. You know that Spiderman quote about the person who is given many gifts having lots of responsibility? Guess what, the Bible came up with that idea first, "...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required..." (Luke 12:48) If we are given the power of deciding who is President, then we are partly responsible for who is elected. 

So bottom line, what am I trying to say? Voting is a big deal. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to dictate who dictates us. Go vote! But once you've voted, don't become fearful about the results. Once we have fulfilled our responsibilities, the rest is in God's hands. And He doesn't make mistakes.

May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding dwell in your hearts richly as you seek to follow and honor Him.

Voting tomorrow,
SingingGem