Are you complaining about your government? Are the television news shows and political pundits influencing what you think about the elections—instead of God and His Word? Well, the Bible has a lot to say about government!
Isaiah talks about judges and how they affect everything (Isaiah 1:23-25). Can you relate? The Supreme Court has made some decisions lately that have affected all our lives in ways many of us never would have imagined. And who appoints judges? The president, senators and congressmen all take part in the selection process!
But who is really to blame when government is out of control or judges make unrighteous decisions? The hard truth is you can’t just blame politicians and judges. You have to blame us, the believers. Why? Because many of us have quit. We’ve quite praying, quit running for office, and quit believing God for this nation. On top of that, we’ve quit taking any part of the political process, and we quit voting. You’ve heard it before, and I know you’re hearing it this election. “I’m not voting! I can’t vote for any of these clowns!”
Letting your voice be heard in the political process starts with your vote. In fact, you can’t afford not to vote. And let me just say, if you’re not going to vote, you may as well not say anything about government at all. Maybe you haven’t considered this truth: Your ballot is your seed. When you don’t vote and sow your seed, you have, by default, voted for your enemy. I know you don’t want to do that!
So, with all of this in mind, here are three ways to stand up and speak out in order to change your government:
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Vote
Don’t refuse to vote! It’s your way to stand up and speak out about your government.
When you refuse to vote, you are actually strengthening the enemy’s hold on it. Instead, support godly men and women who can bring about positive change in the government.
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” –Proverbs 29:2, NLT
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Get Involved
There’s no point in complaining if you’re not willing to do something about the situations that concern you. Getting involved means attending government meetings (city council, school board, state sessions, town forums, grassroots assemblies, etc.), giving to and helping worthwhile candidates, and even running for office. When you get involved at the local level, you will be more informed about the political process and how you can make a difference.
“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” –Proverbs 14:34, NLT
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Pray
When the choice is hard and you don’t think anyone running is godly, pray! God raised up many people in the Bible who weren’t godly, but they were used by Him for His purposes anyway. Pharaoh, Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar come to mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pray for all the candidates, and make the best decision you can with His guidance.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” –1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT
It’s not enough to disagree with the government. You must be ready to bring about change by voting, getting involved and praying for God’s wisdom. As you and other Christians around the country do those three things, you’re sure to see the right kind of change in the government!