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Imagine If We All Voted?

              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. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

                Over the past week or so, I saw lots of pleas that Christians would get out and vote, because if Christians actually vote, we can choose who gets into office. If you don’t vote, “they” will get into office and America is doomed. In the last election, it appears that lots of Christians didn’t vote, and that those who did weren’t the ideological monolith hoped for. So, quite likely, some people are going to be chastising Christians for not voting.

                And I think Scripture makes it clear that we should vote. But the election is over, and we need to deal with it. Romans 13 is a good reference. Today’s passage is also a good reference. If we want a peaceful and quiet life in godliness and holiness, we must petition God for it. We must pray. We must intercede. We must thank God. We must do these things on behalf of the people who were elected to office, the people we don’t like, and whom we believe might destroy the country if given half a chance.

                Not pray against them. Pray for them. Even if we don’t approve of them or what they’re doing. If we don’t pray the same prayers for the politicians we don’t like that we pray for the ones we do, we’re not living a life of godliness. I’m not saying that we must approve of everything they do and pray for God’s blessing on everything they do. Paul says we must pray for them as individuals. Each needs salvation and/or sanctification. They all need wisdom. They all need protection from temptation and harm. Their families could use prayer as they deal with the stress of political life.

                We were told to imagine that if all Christians got out and voted, we could win the election, make a difference, and save America. And one good thing about losing an election is that those on the losing side are more likely to get off their couches and do something. Well, I’m suggesting that we imagine something else. Imagine what might happen if we got off the couch, got on our knees, and prayed. Don’t just imagine. Do it. 

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