Balance
Today is election day. We are mailing this letter to you as millions of folks are going to polls to vote for the leadership of our country.
Requests come to me frequently to use my name and influence in the behalf of certain political candidates. Calls come, even from Washington, requesting I leverage in behalf of various candidates.
I do vote. I vote based on issues. I vote based on morality that is consistent with the Word of God to the best of my understanding.
Folks ask me about which political party has my loyalty. Here is my dilemma. I have studied the life of Jesus all my life. Yet, I feel only a beginner. The more I learn of Jesus, the more wonderful He is. The more I learn of Jesus, the more I stand in awe of his impeccable and immeasurable holiness and glorious righteousness.
For the life of me I cannot determine if he was a Democrat or Republican. I do know Jesus was not a tree hugger. He did not build a seat in a tree in a forest or chain himself to it to prevent it being cut down.
He was a Jew and witnessed unspeakable atrocities committed by Romans against Jews. It is reasonable to assume he saw public crucifixions. He was well aware of the destruction of a city and thousands of Jews just prior to His birth.
Jesus knew that his people wanted the yoke of Rome cast off. Yet, criticism of Rome was not the theme of Jesus. Jesus spoke to His own people. He spoke to them about basic things like paying taxes, treating others with human dignity, having good manners and good behavior, being forgiving, and treating others like you would like to be treated.
I hope you go to the polls. I hope you vote. If you do not vote then you vote for whoever wins. If you can vote and do not vote then you have no room for complaining about the policies of whoever wins. This is simple logic, honest, and fair. Therefore, vote.
However, remember that when you vote it is human and for hopefully decent human government. Prayerfully vote. Vote as if Jesus is watching your hand as you pull the lever. You cannot be in good conscience and simply vote what your parents voted…because they voted the way they did/or do.
Think it through. Vote, but do not put your voting ahead of your relationship with Christ and His Church. Human government will come to an end. It will eventually fail. Be careful what you say. If you are in good conscience before God mind your manners and your tongue. Others need to see Christ in you. Keep your integrity. Keep your witness.
If you are still in doubt of the importance of this message take a trip to a military cemetery. Walk through. See if you can tell the difference between the white markers based on how they voted. Even in life and death of human governments there is a place that our differences are not different.
To maintain balance keep before you the most essential message of all eternity. Fulfill the mission Christ has sent you to do. Do your part in the Great Commission. Put your feet in the path of service to share the message of Christ to those who have not heard, help the poor, and care for the less fortunate. In all the days you live you will not have enough time to do all that your Christ-heart will desire to do for the glory of Our Savior and His Church.
Above all, keep the faith. When you meet your Master and Lord be sure that your life has sent up a report that is balanced.
Much love,
Pastor Bare