The Election has Been Called

(I send you this E-Bulletin, or some variation of it, every time we face an upcoming election. This is a reminder and a guide.)  

 

The 2019 Canadian federal election(formally the 43rd Canadian general election) is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2019. Parliament was dissolved by Governor General Julie Payette on September 11, 2019 on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

My purpose is to help you grasp the biblical issues that are relevant for each and every election and to see our responsibilities as Christians and as Canadians. 

         According to the Bible (Rom 13:1-4; 1 Pet 2:13-15)the role of government is three-fold. The first is to exercise authority (Romans 13:1-2). The second role is to restrain evil (Romans 13:3-4). The government is to restrain evil through punishment of the evil doer and the protection of the law-abiding citizens. The third role is to promote the common good (Romans 13:3-4). In fact, the bible tells us that the government is “God’s servant for your good.” Government is to promote the common good by preserving order, maintaining infrastructure, and by protecting our freedom (1 Peter 2:14) (just to name a few). It is not the government’s role to solve all our problems or be a cure-all for every ill and special interest group in society. Remember, the government exists to promote the common good, not be the common good. 

         While I will not tell you who to vote for, the bible is clear that whenever we choose leadership, we choose on the basis of qualifications. They are found in Deuteronomy 1:13-17 and Exodus 18:21. These are the qualifications that Moses looked for in choosing the leaders of his nation . . . And we’d do well to do the same. Wisdom(Deut. 1:13) (good judgment); Competence (1:13) (experience); Integrity (1:14-17) (trustworthy); Courage (1:17) (Won’t bow to intimidation); Humility (1:17) (willing to ask for help and admit when they are wrong); Virtue(Exodus 18:21) (these are leaders who are marked by moral uprightness). The qualifications of the leader make a huge difference in the quality of the nation. Consider them carefully when it comes to Election Day. 

         Finally, we are to fulfill our responsibilities of citizenship. How do we do that? First of all, we think. Think carefully! Take time to understand the issues and facts of the election and think them through. Think clearly! Look past the generalities and the clichés. Finally, think biblically! Seek to make all of your decisions in submission to the authority of the bible. If there are moral/biblical issues at stake in the election, how a candidate/party addresses these should help you determine where you give your support. Our first responsibility is to think, our second is to VOTE. It is the right and RESPONSIBILITYof every citizen to vote. Let’s lose the excuses and complacency when it comes to election time. Weare God’s primary means of appointing government leaders. So, it’s not only your duty to vote – it is part of being a good citizen and a faithful follower of Christ. 

         We think, we vote, and finally we PRAY. I will leave you with 1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 

 

Pray for our leaders and the upcoming election … and don’t forget to vote.

 

See You Sunday … 

 

Pastor Byron