November 8 Christian Citizenship 1 Peter 2:13-17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people, live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
Today is Election Day in America, and it is an ideal time to consider how to best exercise our citizenship in a manner that is consistent with our Christian convictions and values and beliefs. Everything that we do and say, as Christians, is supposed to promote, edify, and exalt our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! When we submit to government authorities, the purpose of this act, is to edify Christ, and to be an example of His Love and Grace to a Lost and Decaying World! Friends, we CANNOT follow the World and Follow Christ, at the same time!! Our actions, words, and our attitudes, MUST reflect HIS Grace and HIS Purpose! Yes, we are living right here, right now, and we are citizens of this great land called the United States of America, yet we have a higher calling, and we have a nobler purpose, and that is to share Jesus and to be a Bright Light of Love and Hope in this dismal and dark sinful world! I was taught, from my childhood, that it is my responsibility to be a good steward of my privilege, and right, as an American, to vote! Since my first opportunity, I have exercised my right to vote, in every election since! Although, I have serious issues with those who profess a growing relationship with Jesus Christ yet vote for policies and programs that are diametrically opposed to God’s Holy Word, however, the most important thing is my personal relationship with Christ and my growing and maturing status with the one who loves me enough to redeem me for eternity! And, as long as God allows me to exist right here, right now, I will continue to exercise my right as an American, to VOTE my conscious, my Convictions and my Calling! My Prayer, my Desire, my Intentions, are to NEVER allow my human political bias to override my commitment to His Word, His Grace and His Intentions and Responsibilities for my Christian Life! PRAISE GOD! This World is not my Home, I am just passing through, and my Real and Eternal Citizenship in in HEAVEN! I constantly remind myself that “I am the son of a King, who is not moved by this world and its insanity. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and because of His Love and Protection, I DO NOT FEAR, because I AM HIS!!! VOTING is a Responsibility that is important, however, LIVING for JESUS, each day, IS MOST IMPORTANT! Please do not allow Satan to direct and influence your voting preferences! Choose today who you will serve! As for me and my house, we choose to Serve the Lord! Regardless of the outcome of this election, My GOD is STILL in CONTROL, and HE has PROMISED that HE WILL SE ME THROUGH until I STAND BEFORE HIM IN MY HEAVENLY HOME! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST, FOR THE BELIEVER, IS YET TO BE!