201 6| Week of Monday, March 28 | #1143

Have you gotten fed up with the whole election process already this cycle? I know. The presidential primary season has been very hard to take at times. We seem to have reached a new level—or maybe better put—a new low—in the conduct of candidates—or at least some candidates.  Even our state level races often leave us scratching our heads in disbelief today.

In the midst of all this, and with a major election looming next Tuesday, April 5, Christians often wonder if participating in the election process really matters or is just a waste of time. Today, I am reminding you that our form of representative government that is imminently dependent on elections to work right, admittedly does get messy. But you wouldn’t like the alternatives either, trust me. Until and unless we as Christians have more influence, I don’t expect things to markedly improve. So I ask you to please consider the following reasons why it is important and why it is right for us as Christians to vote, even when the process seems utterly distasteful.

Our citizenship is a stewardship, because for the believer all of life is stewardship.

God gave us a form of government that allows us to have a voice in who becomes our elected, governing officials. Elected officials determine how (or if) laws are enforced and what laws are passed. Laws directly impact our families and our churches. Why would we not want to vote for representatives who most likely will enact and enforce good laws?

In I Timothy 2, verses 1 and 2, we are commanded to pray for kings and for all that are in authority that we might lead quiet and peaceable lives. What we are commanded to pray for we may safely assume we are allowed to work for, which would include voting for authorities who will allow us to live out our faith.

The Christian worldview is true, and it is the truth that sets people free. For the well-being of our children and of our neighbors, it is vital that, as much as possible, we vote for people who believe in objective moral truth and who will promote and protect truth legislatively.

Elected officials determine how our tax dollars are spent. A very direct way to influence how your tax dollars are used is by voting. Again, is this not a matter of good stewardship?

Whenever possible, believers should vote for individuals who will support or at least protect crucial biblical values, such as the sanctity of life and the value of marriage and family done God’s way, or at the very least for those who will not work overtly against these things.

Someone defended their lack of involvement recently by saying, “this world is not our home.” It is true that it is not our home ultimately, but it is our home for now. We are called to be salt and light, to make a difference in this world, not just for the good of our families but for the good of all people.

When we vote, we fulfill one of our roles as good citizens, and trust God for the outcome. We do our part, and God will do His.

Whenever possible we encourage you to vote for individuals who have a track record of consistently standing for the sanctity of life, for the importance of married mom and dad families and for the defense of religious liberty. We encourage you to carefully consider how your biblical values inform your election choices.

Next Tuesday, April 5 is election day in Wisconsin. Early voting has already begun and will be available through this Friday, April 1. You and I are being given the opportunity to vote for a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, with incumbent Rebecca Bradley taking on challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg. We will also being voting on a host of local offices—offices that have a great impact on us and our families.  In addition, we will cast our ballot for a candidate running for the President of the United States. Visit wifamilycouncil.org for information on the Supreme Court candidates and the presidential candidates. Visit myvote.wi.gov to see your specific sample ballot, complete with all your local races.

Regardless of how mess the process, we as Believers, Christ-followers, must be willing to do our part. Dereliction of duty is reprehensible—even when the duty is tough. Do your part—and encourage others to join you—by voting in this April 5 election.

This is Julaine Appling for Wisconsin Family Council reminding you the prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”