Voting is a civic duty, a right as an American citizen and a privilege. However, if my faith were to rest in the election result of any ballot issue, I have missed the mark as a Christian. If my hope was dependent on Florida’s ability to accurately count votes, I’d have no peace. If my joy was determined by who holds the elected offices for my state or this country, I’d be unstable. If my party affiliation was my identity, I’d be hopeless. Do you get the point friend? A Christian is not defined by election results or party platforms. We are defined by the Lord Jesus Christ. We participate actively in doing God’s will at the ballot box with our hope planted firmly in His finished work on the cross. Our assurance is the victory won by the Lord not the result of a recount.
Lets not be fooled that the politicking that occurs in our nation is representative of how God rules eternity. This side of Heaven, we experience dissappointment, pain, and trauma. In this life we do our best as people, knowing that we are not perfect. But this life is not our end. According to the Bible, there is a Heaven and a Hell that follows death. (Psalm 33;13-15; John 14:2; Revelation 21:4; Revelation 21:27, Matthew 18:8-9; Luke 12:4-5; Luke 16:22-26; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 20:13-15) God’s Word tells us that we have a choice. We will live forever in one of two places. If we profess with our mouth and believe in our heart we access eternal life rather than eternal death. (Romans 10:9-10) This is the vote that matters most. This is the vote that won’t be accompanied by lawsuits and recounts. This is the vote that EVERY person makes no matter where your born or what you look like. We must get this vote right because the consequences, both good and bad, are forever.
Is it fair? No, it’s not. I thank God that He extends favor rather than fairness. Do we earn Heaven with good behavior? No, Christ did the work and we get the credit. (John 3:16; John 5:24; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-24; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 3:20-21) So as our nation wars about what is and isn’t fair or right, take some time to examine your eternal vote. Your eternal vote is not fair but redeeming. Your eternal vote is permanent, not fluid. Your eternal vote will be counted by God, not the legal system or a government employee. What will Jesus have to say to you about your vote?
I’m often stunned at Christ’s words, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) These words are sharp, they cut to the heart. Jesus loves us so much that He tells us everything we need to know to make a good choice. He doesn’t hold back the truth like so many politicians do. I have to tell you when I was voting in our state midterm election there were some proposed Amendments and Bond issues that sounded more like Greek than English. I had to research them just to understand the implications. Ultimately, it wasn’t just my vote that mattered. This is what is so striking about our Lord. He is clear, upfront, and you’re the only voter for your eternity. He says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord.’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
With God, nobody can steal or forge your vote. No one else can substitute their faith for yours. This means it doesn’t matter what mom and dad believed, their vote doesn’t count for your eternity. It doesn’t matter what your pastor, priest or rabbi says about your eternity. It only matters what God says. There is NO bureaucracy in Heaven. There is NO Admissions Department. There is no SAT or ACT score that matters. Grades don’t count at all! It’s all based on WHO YOU KNOW. Did you call Jesus Lord and do the will of the Father? I pray that you cast your vote for Christ and live your life honoring Him in all that you think, say and do. Don’t sweat the things of this world beloved, set your mind on things above.
