But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:6-7
I voted today.
I rode my bike to the polls so at the end of the day I would not feel like the effort was a total waste of my energy. You could possibly conclude from that remark that I am not entirely thrilled with the election process and/or the candidates vying for my precious vote.
Be that as it may, riding home I found myself musing over some portions of scripture, not remembering exactly where in the Bible they were found.
I looked it up when I arrived home. 1 Samuel 8:6-7.
The passage is convicting and as it relates to my experiences today, I found myself compelled to mull over, “What in God’s name is civic duty and how does it line up with the ‘truth’ revealed in the Romans 13:1-4 verse?”
I looked it up.
‘Free Dictionary’ told me that civic duty is, “The social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force.”
Frankly, that definition frightened me a little.
In another location, civic duty was equated to citizenship and this definition was provided, “Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities. ‘Active citizenship’ is the philosophy that citizens should work towards the betterment of their community through economic participation, public, volunteer work, and other such efforts to improve life for all citizens.”
Okay.
I can live with a philosophy as long as it maintains that the truths found therein are derived from the God of the Bible. Plainly said, a philosophy without God is a lie and a sure path to destruction. Our true citizenship is in Heaven; therefore, the force that propels and binds the Christian is not social, but Spiritual.
Consequently can we say that God desires to use us towards the betterment of our temporary homes through our active participation? Yes, I believe we can draw that conclusion, as long as we are seeking God’s will and direction in the choices we make.
Hence, prayer is a critical component.
Confession Time
I’m ashamed to tell you that this man of prayer forgot to pray before I voted today. I merely voted along party lines; the ones most closely associated with the same godly, moral standards I embrace. I fear if I had prayed beforehand, I might not have cast a vote at all.
In that light, is not voting a viable option?
I think it is, but I’m not entirely convinced.
Perspective
My son is retiring from the United States Navy in less than a month and I surely do appreciate that he and thousands before him, risked their lives in order to preserve my right to freely choose.
Thanks Dan!
And thanks dad, my World War II veteran!
And thanks Pop Pop, my World War I and World War II veteran!
And thanks to all the unknowns!
In honor of your service I promise, if Christ Jesus should tarry, to cast or not cast my future votes as wisely as I can.
Related articles
- Pressure Fit for a Princess (choosingkidfree.wordpress.com)
- Jury duty: unfair burden or civic obligation? (cbc.ca)
- Ballot Casting and other fish tales (mikespub.wordpress.com)
He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 