"The Right & Responsibility To Vote”

“The Right & Responsibility to Vote”

Proverbs 29:2

In 1938 the name Boston Curtis appeared on the ballot for Republican Committeeman from Milton, Washington. Actually, Boston Curtis was a donkey. The town’s mayor sponsored the animal to demonstrate that people know very little about the candidates...... .He proved his point. The mule won!

It’s sad but true Americans know very little about their government ... constitution, the freedoms & rights we enjoy & those elected to office!

Let me remind you: -We live in a Republic...that is governed by the consent of the people! -We are a Democracy...we have a voice & a vote to chose! -We have a constitution which is the law of the land!

-We don’t live under Monarchy! -We are not Anarchy! -We aren’t Communists or Socialist!

When it comes to our country...our government...& The elections... -What we are.... I’m afraid...is Apathist......Many just don’t care! -Many are Indifferent & Passive! They don’t want to get involved. -Many are ignorant! They don’t know & don’t want to know the issues.

My friend you need to understand something! Legislators.... Legislation.... Politicians ... Politics ... Democrats ... Republicans even Independents offer little change as it relates to the vast number of issues that face this nation!

Real & Genuine change come from the heart & its God alone who can change a heart for he holds the hearts of men in His hand! Scripture says...

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Psalm 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.

Illustration: An elderly gentleman was sitting on a park bench, basking in the sun, when another elderly fellow sat down. They looked at each other for a moment but did not speak. Both men sat there, staring straight ahead. After a while, one of them heaved a big, heartfelt sigh. The other jumped up immediately & said, "If you’re going to talk politics, I’m leaving."

I’m not gonna talk politics...so don’t leave! But what I am gonna do is remind you that Christian’s had better be informed & involved in the political process for it effects you....your family...this nation!

Proverbs 29:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Scripture has much to say about our involvement in Politics: “Politics” ~ The affairs of government...politicians....& political parties.

-Christians are to be peaceful & law abiding citizens. Romans 13:1-7 -We are to pray for & honor our government leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

-We are to pay our taxes. Matthew 22:21

-We are to work for the highest good of all people. Proverbs 3:27

-Jesus’ call for His people to be salt & light to a dying world...that includes those who govern us & the decision they make that involve us! Matthew 5:13-14

-We are to submit to those who govern us. 1 Peter 2:13-15

-We are to promote Godly principles in politics and government Pr 29:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

My friend, the people of God must be informed & involved in our government....& in the process of electing those who govern us!

Quote: The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves. ~Plato

This morning I want to give some things to consider as you get informed & involved in Politics & the election that is just days away!

1. You have been given the Right to vote: Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Again, this is a democracy! You have a voice...You have a vote! Use It!

-You’re an American! -Born in the land of the brave & home of the free! -Thousands before us have bled & die for the rights & freedoms we enjoy! -As I speak young men & women are in harms way in Iraq & Afghanistan.

My friend, you are blessed by God to live in this nation...You’re not: -Struggling in Iraq or Afghanistan due to war & civil unrest! ....Nor... -Starving in Sudan for lack of food! 70,000 have died & 1.5 million is refugee camps. -Searching for hope & meaning in the west bank or Gaza Strip in Israel.

You live in the land of ...baseball...hotdogs...apple pies & Chevrolet’s!

You have the right to vote...take it & make it count for good!

Quote: When it comes to a showdown, Washington must never forget who rules ------ the people. ~Will Rogers