“Every nation has the government it deserves.”

Posted on November 2, 2022.

Joseph de Maistre wrote “Every nation has the government it deserves.” He saw the French Revolution & concluded that it was so hideous in part because of a rejection of God.
Loads of non-Christians (anti-Christians, really) try to lure or shame Christians into NOT voting. Frankly, that should tell you that it is probably more important than ever for Christians to vote! Is there a biblical perspective? Why should a Christian vote? People didn't vote for the Roman emperor in Jesus' time, right? True, but... in Matthew 22:21 we see Jesus tell people to "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God, what is God's." Is that only taxes & prayer? As good citizens in our government structure here in the U.S.A., if we do not vote, we leave the operation of the government to the ungodly.. How can we prevent that? One way is to use our one vote wisely. (Yes, one, despite what others may do.) We will be accountable before God as to how we voted. Did we study and pray so that we could vote wisely for the proper candidates, as well as the right issues and using godly principles to do so. Part of "rendering" to Caesar in the U.S is to VOTE.
Yet, in recent elections in the U.S.A., about 2 of every 5 professing Christians took that right for granted and did not vote. About 1 in 5 professing, eligible Christians are not even registered to vote.
How does a Christian vote? Many say we should all vote what's best for our wallet. But that doesn't look so good now that inflation is exploding from the irresponsible stewardship of printing trillions of dollars we don't have just to give it away. Some side-step issues & say the honorable thing is to "vote your conscience." That worries me having seen what the conscience of many can allow. We all, especially Christians, need some definitive standard.
Well, Micah 6: 8 says: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly...and to walk humbly with your God.” Proverbs 14: 34 says “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Clearly, these show us the imperative for the Christian is to hunger and pray for God's principles and to vote as close to them as possible. (And apparently, since Micah is in the Old Testament, this goes for Jewish voters as well.) No, of course we can't vote for Christ, but we can often vote—at least for now--for candidates who stand for at least some godly values like defending the value of life whether pre-born or older. For property rights that treat us like we have equal right under the law, as if there is no advantage for the politically-connected. For those who do not use public service positions for serving self more than the public. Who do not foment unrest or “victimhood” in order to scare folks into voting for them. Vote for those who don't glorify sin and force on us those things that God tells us are wrong, and who reverse right and wrong in the process. Those who protect children and do not use them as some bizarre, cruel social / science experiment worthy of Joseph Mengele.
Scripture describes sin not only as doing wrong, but also failing to do the good we can. Voting is an opportunity to do some good. Christians should see voting as an opportunity to steward what is good. To promote, protect, and preserve godly government—or at least godly influence. Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would scoff at the name of Christ have their way in ALL our lives. Certainly, if you look at the issues, there is a clear demarcation between the godly and the sadly sinful. The leaders we elect now—or do nothing to remove—can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral and cultural disaster. As Christians, we should stand up and follow our command to fulfill our civic duties. Pastor Geoff                                        "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."  Proverbs 11:4                                                                                                                      "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:               haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that                 devises wicked plans,  feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who                     breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."                  Proverbs 6:16-19