The Pastor's Pitch

My brother David, pastor of Walnut Hill Bible Church in Baraboo, Wisconsin, writes a monthly column in his church newsletter. In his latest, he writes of my nephew’s experience as an American soldier guarding the Iraqi elections:

While stationed in Iraq my son joined fellow soldiers in securing polling places in cities along the northern border. He was able to see Kurdish men and women participate in democracy for the first time. There are forces that desperately want it to fail and are willing to do just about anything to see that it does. Clint was relieved that the polling compound where he was stationed only received one mortar shelling. A young boy was wounded but still alive when Clint put him on the medical helicopter . . . a serious head injury. He had not, until then, seen brain tissue. He thinks the boy survived.

Many Iraqi citizens (not Kurds) had voted before, but this was the first time they had choices. Fingers were dyed blue—no one could vote more than once. No Iraqi had ever participated in a fair election. That night, voters danced for joy in the streets of their towns and villages, celebrating the privilege of expressing the power of their convictions. One person--one vote, was exhilarating. American soldiers danced with them and set off flares to light the festivities. Clint said it was one of the most joyous and satisfying experiences he had during his tour of duty in Iraq. He also wrote, “I don’t think I’ll take the privilege of voting for granted again.”

It is easy to take voting for granted in the U. S.  Voting is easy here—even dead people and aliens seem to make it to the polls in some cities. Perhaps this is why many people don’t take the time to vote: we feel like little fish that don’t make a difference in a big sea. But this attitude plays into the hands of the Great Deceiver. He would like Christians to feel separated from the strength of Christ expressed through the collective wisdom of his Body. The Enemy understands the strength of our power as a voting bloc—why don’t we? Perhaps because we are too easily deceived.

Prayerfully study the issues and positions of the candidates. Talk to other Christians who are informed and who walk closely with the Lord—and vote! Be a good and responsible citizen. God’s Word demands it. You’ve been born into a time and place that allows you this privilege. Don’t waste it.

 

Comments

[Kevin V]

Democracy here or there is a joke, a manipulation. The only purpose voting serves is so those in power can pass off responsibility to the public -"you voted for it". It gives the power elites coverage and projects the illusion that we are governing ourselves.
This all assumes the process is even honest in the first place which is certainly debatable.

[DGP]

Kevin V is on to something -- not in his contemptuous cynicism, which is itself contemptible, but in his focus on responsibility. I fear many people, including those quite conscious of themselves as Christians, prefer to hold themselves above participation in politics. They pretend to themselves that this is because politicians habitually fail to meet their standards, but I fear it's more often because they don't want to feel responsible or blameworthy for the messiness of the world.

As with so many human affairs, it boils down to a matter of self-righteousness versus a humble and obedient charity. Our civil order invites us to participate in the selection of authorities, and it is our duty as citizens to contribute as best we can. Personally, I can't belive our Lord is calling so many Christians to the kind of indignant posturing I often hear or read. If only for the reputation of the Church, I pray they find more constructive ways to engage democratic society.