Before You Go to Vote on Monday

 

I have been thinking a great deal lately about the upcoming federal election on Monday as many of you have. It will be my very first opportunity to vote federally as a Canadian citizen, so I am excited. 

I believe it is NOT ONLY our right as citizens to vote, BUT ALSO our duty. It is commonly believed that decisions on election day in Canada are made by the majority of the people. This is not so! Decisions on election day are made by the majority of those who actually vote. Voter turnout in the 2015 election was 68.5%. That was better than in 2008 when the percentage was 58.8%. As Christians our percentage should be 100%. My point? Make sure you vote, because every vote counts. If you don’t believe that consider this: Texas was admitted to the Union by a one vote difference; and Adolph Hitler won the leadership of the Nazi Party by one vote. 

So before you go to the polls: 

1. Consider the Scriptures which address government, our responsibility as citizens and the seriousness of that responsibility: 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

1 Peter 2:13-17 “ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,  or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.  Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.  Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”

Proverbs 14:34  “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

A number of years ago Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, wrote:  

If there is no qualified candidate who is spiritually mature, vote for the one whose personal principles and platform most nearly agree with your own Christian position, based on the Bible.

 2. Know the Candidates’ Views

• Make a sincere effort to obtain reliable information about the major issues and the candidates positions. 
• If you are able, take time to attend candidate forums or information meetings. 
• Talk to your local MP/Candidate and ask questions
• Know the Party Leaders’ positions. 

 3. While Principles are more Important than Party (Even though in many cases they go hand in hand) – Both MUST be considered. 

Proverbs 25:19 “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.”

Look for reliability, faithfulness, truthfulness, integrity and honour in BOTH candidate and party leadership. 

In 1832 Noah Webster (the dictionary guy, a political writer, and prolific author) wrote something very profound. Take some time and chew it over. 

(Note: He uses the term “Republican” not referring to a political party, but rather in the sense of the government being a republic – the power is held by the people and their elected representatives … not a king or dictator). 

"When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed upon your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, just men who rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good, so much as for selfish or local purposes, corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or discarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer laws."

 

So don’t forget … Vote on Monday … See you Sunday,

 

Pastor Byron