A Right & a Privilege

Tuesday was the first time that Bethany had the privilege to vote. Yes, it is a privilege. There are still countries where dictators are placed in leadership and the people there don't have a choice. Because we are given the opportunity, it is our responsibility to go and vote. If you are registered then you need to be sure and cast a vote. The people that are placed in office are done so because people have backed them and gone out to vote them in. We need to do our research to see which candidates have values that are close to what we believe and would do a good job of leading our counties and our country.

We may not agree with our leadership and what bills they are signing into law. We need to pray for our leaders-pray for their salvation and wisdom and discernment in their governing. There are ways that we can go about telling our leaders we don't agree. We can write letters to them and call their offices to explain where we stand on the issues.

God has told us that we need to respect those that are above us in leadership.

Matthew 22:21

"Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

I Timothy 2:1-3

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"

Romans 13:1-7

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

As we live one day at a time we have the opportunity to vote about issues and help place knowledgeable and godly people into leadership. Our country was formed and based on biblical standards. We have our coins stamped "In God We Trust". We still pledge to a flag that is "One Nation Under God". Our prayer should be that our leaders turn back to God. God's Word tells us,

2 Chronicles 7:14

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Things can change very quickly. If we are not careful, our rights may slip away from us and our country may be very different in the future.

Remember your right and follow through on your privilege in November when we vote for our senators and President.