By Dennis Petersen
Have you ever dealt with the frustrated feeling that your civic duty of voting is a fruitless exercise in futility?
Most hard-working Americans are ordinarily so busy with their private lives that they give only little attention to the process of civic government, except for the complaining that all of us tend to do when we see policies enacted that we disagree with or that cost us something. Do you recall anyone asking for your vote to give more of your hard-earned money to bureaucracies to waste on programs that you think are foolish? Worse yet, we’re all aware of terrible civic outcomes. The election of Barack Obama (even twice); the court’s decision to re-make God’s ordinance of marriage; government’s interference and persecution of Christians for refusing to bake a cake; legalizing abortion, or whatever—it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a feeling of hopelessness.
But, guess what! Following our feelings and emotions instead of facts, reason, history, and most importantly—the Word of God, is standard operating procedure for liberals, leftists, and violent mobs. This type of response should have no place in the lives of conservatives, Christians, and Constitutionalists.
Let’s get real. Just because the Bible says you’re a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20), does that justify shirking your responsibility to be a good steward of what God has given you to manage in this life on earth?
And if somebody tells you that you can’t fight city hall, or that you have to bow to whatever the government tells you because the Bible says Christians must be submissive to their leaders, you really need to examine your premises before you passively give in to everything that happens.
America is the first constitutional republic on earth, providentially birthed from the convictions of Christians fleeing from the persecution of worldly kings with a passionate and determined vision from their Redeemer who had guided them providentially to a new frontier. They made a covenant with each other – including their not-so-spiritually inclined fellow travelers – to undertake for the Glory of God, advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honor of their King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia. They solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenanted and combined themselves together into a civil Body Politick, for their better Ordering and Preservation. It was the first experiment in voluntary, mutually consented self-government in world history between individuals with one another, and not with a monarch.
When the Bible tells us that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes,” (Proverbs 21:1), we have to remember that our nation is not ruled by a king but by “We the people.”
The real question we have to ask is this: Will God’s people humble themselves to seek the face of God and not just His favor, by turning away from their wicked idolatries of putting things in the place that only God deserves in their lives?
So, you and I must do whatever we can to implore our conservative friends and neighbors to NOT GIVE IN TO THEIR EMOTIONS. We dare not give in to the emotionally weak side of our nature, telling us that all hope is gone, and that voting is a futile endeavor. Following feelings and not facts is the way the regressive, so-called ‘progressive’ mind operates.
Consider three additional reasons why you should not give up on voting
1. FAILURE TO VOTE CAUSES A SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY
The reason why good people don’t vote is because they feel like their vote doesn’t matter and that we are going to end up with bad government no matter what.
But we live in a representative Republic. And in a representative Republic we VOTE for our representatives. And that comes from Exodus 18:21-22; Deuteronomy 1:13-18. God commanded his people to appoint leaders to represent them. If you don’t vote for godly men who will represent you in the fear of God with a servant’s heart, then who will you end up with?
Well, if godly people don’t run for office and if you don’t vote for them, then by definition, you’re only left with ungodly people. And you will therefore have ungodly rulers—thus fulfilling your belief that voting doesn’t matter. So, the reality is that by NOT VOTING, many Americans, especially Christians are ensuring that we end up with wicked leaders.
Either you believe that this is the form of government God wanted for our country or you do not. If you don’t believe it is a good form of government or the one God wanted for us, then what type of Government would you prefer, and based on what authority? And how would you then suggest we acquire that new form of government? Listen to our nation’s first chief justice of the Supreme Court.
“Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
John Jay (1st Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court)
2. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SALT AND LIGHT
According to a 2015 survey of Americans, over 75% of the country, nearly 250 million of us, identify as Christians. And of those Christians who are eligible to vote, only about half of them actually vote. That’s right. In America, the land with more so-called “Christians” than anywhere else in the world, only half of all eligible Christian voters actually get off of their lazy dufus and vote. Do you claim to be Christian? Do you vote?
By sheer numbers alone (even considering the deplorable state of the American Christian church today), if these self-identified Christians would vote, Christians would have all the power in American politics. We could eliminate legalized murder of the unborn, absurdly high taxes, unconstitutional government regulations, immoral laws, and unjust statutes.
In short, Christians could preserve the FREE COUNTRY that our forefathers gave us and show the rest of the world the beauty of a bible-centered civil society. And that is EXACTLY what it means to be “salt and light.” That is our job as Christians and we are simply not doing it. Light, as the Bible says plainly, exposes darkness. Salt preserves meat from rotting. No wonder Jesus said that if salt loses its inherent properties, it’s worthless trash, only to be thrown on the ground and trampled under the feet of men.
3. THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF VOTING
The list of our 45th president’s incredible accomplishments as the chief executive of the United States are truly amazing when seen in context. He single-handedly lowered taxes, kept America out of needless wars, appointed more than 200 conservative justices, appointed two originalist justices to the Supreme Court (hopefully a third very soon), preserved and fought for religious rights, reduced federal laws and statutes (for the first time in recent history), and established policies and market confidence to give America literally the greatest economy we’ve ever had.
Christians had more money, meaning churches had more money, and were able to accomplish more outreach mission work. And even though it’s not really right to divide Americans into people groups, it’s still a fact that blacks, Hispanics, other “minorities,” and women did better under President Trump’s policies than ever before. Most people had more money. Most had a job. Everything was improving in almost every metric, and we witnessed restored freedoms, religious liberties, and bringing America back to our founders’ purposes and priorities. Quite frankly, the first 3 years of Trump were beyond our greatest hopes.
Then the COVID crisis hit (aka the Great Scam-demic of 2020). And we saw our freedoms disappear as never before in history. This has highlighted the value, need, and power of every single vote. While it’s true that local politics is most important—including your local state offices like: governor, attorney general, and your state legislature – the most important representatives we have are city and county officials like mayors, city councils, and especially sheriffs.
These are the people who are going to have the most effect on your daily lives. And these are the people who are right now responsible for whether or not you are living in a free state, or under some type of unconstitutional, tyrannical “lockdown.” Do you think you need to get to know who they really are and personally hold them accountable through your interactions with them and their offices? Could it be that too many of us have alienated ourselves from involvement because we’ve neglected to steward what has been given to us?
But let’s take a look at how important one election is by using the Presidential election as an example. If President Trump wins, he will undoubtedly give us one more Supreme Court Justice, and possibly two—Clarence Thomas is currently 72 years old and will most likely be replaced by the next President. Stephen Breyer is 82 years old and will most certainly be replaced by the next President. If Trump is elected, he will replace them both with conservatives—giving conservatives/originalists a 6-3 majority in the Supreme Court. This means that legalized baby-murder, not only can, but WILL be overturned.
Think about that—the most important moral/political issue in our nation – the issue about whether or not innocent babies will be allowed to be slaughtered – hangs in the balance by who we elect as President. And we elect him by voting!
Considering only that issue, how dare anyone say that voting doesn’t matter? The lives of precious, innocent babies matter! And don’t say that you don’t care about voting because you are going to be a militia man and fight for yourself and your family. Well good for you! If you refuse to be preservative salt to your community, Jesus declared you are being a selfish and worthless, good for nothing, piece of trash! (Matthew 5:13). Do you only care about yourself and your own family? You don’t care about the innocent? Listen to the following Bible passages and tell God a good reason they shouldn’t resound in the pulpits of every church that calls itself Christian on a regular basis.
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 82:3-4 ESV
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
Proverbs 31:8 (NLT)
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?”
Proverbs 24:11-12 ESV
“Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.”
Jeremiah 22:3 ESV
If you believe that God gave you the 2nd Amendment so that you could protect your family, then you should likewise believe that God gave you the power to VOTE so you could protect the innocent!
And although the Supreme Court justices get the most attention, the truth is that as a whole, the other federal court appointments often have a greater effect on our lives. In Trump’s case, he’s already appointed over 200 federal judges! And with all of the rights that have been violated in the name of COVID, we are going to need good judges to ensure our rights are not trampled on again and that our rights are preserved. In fact, this has already begun…
In Pennsylvania, only a month ago, US District Judge William Stickman IV ruled that the lockdowns in Pennsylvania, ordered by liberal democrat Governor Tom Wolf, are unconstitutional. This is a providential victory! Why did this happen? Well, Judge Stickman is a Trump appointee! That’s why.
You can multiply this over a thousand times, for every right we’ve lost as a country, and ask yourself, what kind of judge do you want ruling on these cases?
Well, in the end, we get the government we deserve. And considering the fact that our forefathers literally sacrificed their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor just to give us the right to vote, if we don’t exercise that right and instead choose to do nothing, then we likewise DESERVE NOTHING.
What the king of the universe delegates, He expects to prosper in His intended purpose.
Start with His Word.
“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11
Remember what is the Son of God’s purpose detailed in 1 John 3:8.
“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.”
1 John 3:8
What sets the pattern and principle for God’s delegation of His resources? Luke 12:48-49
Thinks of it. God has delegated the management of His creation to His children. Are we actively taking care of our little parts of that huge assignment?
“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes… From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”
Our American right to vote for the governing authorities in our lives is a divine gift. What did Jesus teach about His expectation from His gifts that he’s given to His people? Referring to His Heavenly Father’s kingdom of rule over His people, Jesus taught the parable of the talents:
“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”
Matthew 25:14-15
At the end of the parable, explaining the righteous judgement of the worthless slave who did not make the one talent produce an increase for his master, Jesus said:
“For to everyone who has (productive fruitfulness), more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have (increase from the investment delegated to his management), even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 25:29-30
God expects His servants to be productive and fruitful for His kingdom with the investments He puts into their lives… including the stewardship of their country’s and communities’ governments.
That’s why we are innately endowed with ambition… and that’s why early childhood guidance by loving parents is absolutely needed to harness and direct that ambition to honorable purposes.
And that’s why our nation needs leaders and laws that protect the family that our Creator instituted in the garden in Genesis.
And that’s why Christian congregations need pastors and teachers who rightly respect, revere and are confidently committed to the inspiration, integrity, and inerrancy of the Scriptures. If they don’t believe the Bible is absolutely clear and truthful in historic and natural matters, Jesus said it will be impossible for them to believe in His Words, even if one were raised from the dead… Luke 16:31. This is why clear and competent education by God-fearing, Bible-believing teachers is absolutely imperative for Christians to teach their children during their formative years. Why would anyone dare to willingly subject their impressionable young children to humanistic, even satanic, doctrines of demons that are daily salted into virtually every government funded school curriculum, devoted to impress your God-given children with teachings that literally make a fable and myth out of all that Jesus taught from the Scriptures.
Dr. James Dobson is loved and respected by a wide swath of our Christian population. He recently wrote to his ministry’s friends a serious message that he asked to be shared as far and wide as possible. Let me quote from it here.
Dear Friends,
This will be my final letter to 800,000 people before Americans cast our ballots on November 3rd. It is a breathtaking moment in the history of the United States. Perhaps I will be permitted to repeat a brief comment I made in my August letter because of its relevance to today. Many political commentators have stated that this election is the most significant since 1864, when Abraham Lincoln vied for a second term against Democratic nominee, George McClellan. The future of our beloved nation hung in the balance that year. If Lincoln had lost, the Civil War would have ended precipitously and the wretched evils of slavery would have remained legal in the Confederate States, and perhaps even in the North. Had Lincoln been defeated, the Union would have been torn asunder. Thank God Mr. Lincoln won, even though it cost him his life!
Now we are approaching another presidential election that carries enormous implications for the stability of our democratic system of government. Indeed, Newt Gingrich said that what we are facing now might bring an end to civilization as we have known it. He may have been referring to a possible revolution. Regardless, I believe his grave concern for our nation is valid. For centuries, America has stood as a shining light for liberty and freedom in our nation and around the globe. If we abandon our founding core values, the world will suffer for it. The binary choice before us is that stark.
How will Americans, and how will you, decide who to vote for as our Chief Executive Officer? I have heard from dozens of friends and acquaintances in recent weeks who tell me they will base their decision solely on a candidate’s rhetoric, tone, style, or likeability. Does that describe your thinking process?
Just now, as I was about to react to that idea, my wife, Shirley, brought me an email that she had received a few minutes before from a friend. It quoted an anonymous statement that gets to the heart of the issue, as follows:
“This is not a junior high or high school popularity/personality contest. I’m not voting for the person—I’m voting for the platform!
I’m voting for the Second Amendment. I’m voting for the next Supreme Court justice. I’m voting for the electoral college. I’m voting for the Republic in which we live. I’m voting for the police and law and order. I’m voting for the military and the veterans who fought and died for this country. I’m voting for the flag that is often missing from public events. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored for it. I’m voting for secure borders. I’m voting for the right to praise God without fear. I’m voting for every unborn soul that is at risk of being aborted. I’m voting for freedom and the American dream. I’m voting for good and against evil. I’m not just voting for one person.
I’m voting for the future of my country!”
I couldn’t have said it better, although I want to add to the writer’s list. I’m also voting for candidates who will exercise sound leadership internationally. I’m voting for those who will support Israel. I’m voting for those who will protect children from leftist curricula. I’m voting for the nation’s fiscal integrity. I’m voting for parental rights. I’m voting for school choice and home education. I’m voting for freedom in the suburbs. I’m voting for Little Sisters of the Poor and other Christian organizations. I’m voting for racial unity. I am voting to support “In God we trust” and school prayer. I’m voting for freedom of conscience for physicians and other professionals. I am voting for marriage. I am voting for life in all its dimensions. I am voting against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. I’m voting for wisdom in handling the pandemic. I am voting for protection for the Church from oppressive politicians.
One final thought: With all respect, this election isn’t about you. It certainly isn’t about me. It is about our kids and grandkids. It is about those who are yet to come, if they are allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable, God-given rights it protects. It is about values, and truth, and greatness, and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.
In summary, this election is for all the marbles . . . the Presidency, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Together, they set the agenda for this country.
If you love America and don’t want it to be “fundamentally transformed,” it is time to do three things:
1. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty.
2. Volunteer to help your candidates.
3. Vote for the candidates who will best uphold your values and convictions.
May God bless America!
Dr. James Dobson
Also, consider forwarding this letter to your friends, family, and others whom you might influence.
This letter may be reproduced without change and in its entirety for non-commercial and non-political purposes without prior permission from Family Talk. Copyright, 2020 Family Talk. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Printed in the U.S. Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk is not affiliated with Focus on the Family.
Pray, vote, and equip others with truth-filled communications that will inspire them to participate for the sake of Jesus’ model prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Do not submit to the temptation to be one of the 30 million or more Christians who failed to vote in the last election.”
And take the time to know the platforms of the candidates for whom you cast your vote. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your conscience must overrule your habits and emotions that rule the leftists. They have gone insane to ignore those who are being led to slaughter. They have become fools to support policies that wink at violence and immorality. Their party has stricken God’s name from their platform and refused to display even one American flag at their national convention. If you allow them to succeed even by not voting, you make yourself an accomplice to their insurrection of your country. God cannot hold you without guilt. This is the sobering reality given to those with ears to hear what the spirit of God is saying. And if you are earnest about hearing the bold proclamation of relevant truth for God’s church today, I urge you to go to YouTube and search for recent talks posted by Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel of Chino Hills. He is one of many excellent voices helping Christians to see why we must pray and act to give our grandchildren a future and a hope.
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Thank you Dennis for such relevant information for Bible believing Christians and patriots who dearly love and support this constitutional Republic. Veterans, everyday working class people, and all Americans should take this message to heart and realize that the freedoms we have today came at a very costly price, especially all the wars our nation has fought in. As we never forget the price our Savior paid of his death on the cross to make us free to be with him for all eternity.