“So give back to Caesar what is Caesars…” Matthew 22:21
What is the relationship between God and government? What is the relationship between the spiritual and the political? We are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. If we the people do not participate we are not giving to Caesar, and our government, what God commands us to do. Our first responsibility as the people is to select good leadership for the government.
We recognize in America that nobody is perfect, that people can fail and nobody has all the answers so we have what we call “checks and balances.” We have the three branches of government (the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch). Each one is to be a check on the other. The President can initiate a program, but Congress has to approve it. Congress can make laws, but the President can veto them, and the Judicial Branch can declare laws unconstitutional, but the Supreme Court cannot legislate the President (or is not supposed to), and the President, along with the Senate, appoints the judges. We have this system because we realize people in power might be untrustworthy.
We want a government that will pass good laws. Good laws make for good government, which helps to make good citizens. We need good people to legislate the law (Congress), wise people to adjudicate the law (Judges), and a conscientious leader to effectuate the laws (President). How do we do that? By voting. One way we participate in our government is by voting. Voting is not just a right; it is also a spiritual responsibility.
Christians not only have a responsibility to vote but a responsibility to vote responsibly. I am going to tell you exactly how I vote, but it is not what you think. I don’t vote for the party. I don’t vote for the person. I rarely even vote for the policy. I vote for the principles. I am neither a dyed-in-the-wool Republican nor a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. I am a washed is the blood Christian. There is only one person that is always guaranteed to get my vote and that is Jesus. Why? I vote for principles. Because a principle will outlive a party and a principle will outlast a person or a policy. Different parties and different people will institute different policies, but principles never change.
I’ve heard people say countless numbers of times, “My vote doesn’t count.” Do you know why your vote always counts? Because it counts to God and He gives us the privilege of living in a country where we can vote - and with every privilege comes a responsibility and we have the responsibility to vote but to vote responsibility for good people, who will pass good laws, to help make us good citizens.
God, knowing that our government is not perfect, and is filled with flawed people, I pray for them as our leaders, and I pray for wisdom, discernment, and discretion in their decisions and actions. Guide me as I participate in my government when I vote. Help me to vote for biblical principles, versus a party or person, so that I represent a godly influence for my country, my city, and my community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Topics: Government
