Election Day: Demonstrating Our Freedom

Today is “Election Day” November 6, 2012.    Although millions have already voted early, most eligible voters will have opportunity today to exercise a cherished privilege in the United States of America.  Because many have labored and sacrificed in the past to protect and preserve our freedom as Americans, we have the privilege to vote for candidates and issues we believe will sustain and enhance the ideals that have made America a “shining city on a hill.”

Scripture challenges us to honor those in authority over us and to pray for them.  Romans 13: 1 states that

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

The just ruler or “politician” recognizes that the office he or she seeks, and the authority that will be vested in them, makes them responsible as stewards.  They have a stewardship responsibility toward their constituency and ultimately toward God the ultimate source of authority.

But we as those over whom they will rule have a responsibility to pray for them, to be informed of the issues over which they must deliberate, and to hold them accountable in a respectful way.   Again, Scripture teaches us as follows:

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.    – I Timothy 2: 1-2

How fitting that we each bathe the decision making and the act of voting in prayer.  

This morning, my own prayers were informed and directed by a blog written by Dr. Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.    Perhaps his post, entitled A Prayer for America on Election Day, will be of help to you as you prepare to demonstrate your God-given privilege and responsibility to vote.