You have a decision to make. Are you going to be one of the “Silent Majority” in 2024? If that’s your plan, here’s one of the consequences of that decision: for the next four years, you cannot engage in any banter about what’s going on in America, politically. No matter what, your opinion – until January of 2029 – will have no legitimacy. What gives?
When George Barna speaks, I listen. George heads the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Here’s his latest insight:
“His latest research shows that only 51% of all faith voters are likely to vote in November. That means a full 104 million faith voters are unlikely to vote this election – including 41 million born-again Christians (defined by their beliefs regarding sin and salvation, not self-identification), 32 million regular Christian church attenders, and 14 million who attend an evangelical church. Apathy among Christian voters could be ‘a gamechanger’ this election, according to Barna.”
About 2900 years ago, Israel was in a political crisis. Their then-current administration – under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel – had turned their back on God and, instead, pointed the nation’s worship toward the pagan god Baal. Elijah called for a showdown: it was not a debate, but it created a firestorm (it’s worth a read: 1 Kings 18:16-45). It was the Spiritual Super Bowl; no surprise who came out the winner.
Before the contest, Elijah offered the crowd who had assembled to watch the spectacle a chance to declare their allegiance before things heated up:
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’
“But the people said nothing.” (1 Kings 18:21).
The Jews would have been eradicated centuries earlier (anti-Semitism is not a new issue) had the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob withdrawn His protection of them, in keeping with His immutable promises. Israel had cultural Alzheimer’s; their recollection of God’s faithfulness had disappeared.
Barna says that 100+ million Christians are likely to mirror Israel’s ignorance:
“But the people said nothing.”
You have one chance to say something, in the next three weeks. It’s our national “show of hands” moment: voters have a voice, and it will be heard through a completed and collected ballot. No vote; no voice. No voice; no effect. You have the chance to be part of the process, or intentionally irrelevant.
Here’s my assent to the BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious): neither of the presidential candidates would qualify to be on the board of your local church. Their claims of connection to a biblical faith have no substantial validity when evaluated without any partisan bias. Each is a political gladiator, out for a win; neither would embrace the Apostle’s Creed above the US Constitution.
Based on their personalities, I’d stay home. Based on their policies, my vote matters. When I look through the lens of the governance that would come with their respective administrations, the choice becomes more clear. I cannot stay on the sidelines; all of the candidate choices up-and-down the ballot matter, for our country’s future and for my family’s health and welfare.
My ballot will be submitted long before November 5th; I’ve had enough of the campaign rhetoric to know what I have to do.
How about joining me: resign from the “Silent Majority” and make your voice heard. Vote – now, or three weeks from now – and see what God might do…
Good Christians are good citizens.
“Now that you know these things, you’ll be blessed if you do them” (Jesus, in John 13:17).
Bob Shank
Bridging the vast GAP between the truth we know and the truth we apply links us to a future with hope. Obedience is that bridge and walking that is our choice for a freedom destiny. To live is to choose and engage to secure that future of hope with blessings multiplied. Bud Hancock
I have purposely designed a small group course, called Serving in the Square for this purpose. It calls us to be better citizens, to participate and, least of all, vote.
It gives Biblical perspective to leadership, history, civics and today’s issues. Check it out at http://www.servinginthesquare.com/program
100%!!!
It is absolutely unconscionable to sit this one out, or any for that matter. However, this one matters a lot. Maybe more than ever.
Before you think the following is a rant from someone who is regularly posting, I don’t. Nonetheless, here goes.
What at least half the country believes is what’s at issue. The specific candidate is frankly irrelevant to many. When a nation essentially worships abortion, sex in whatever form it takes, and the environment, the specific political candidate that aligns with these values is all that matters. This is the wildcard. Does America value morality and decency or something else.
There are those that are misguided and there are those that are a conduit for him who speaks directly from the pit of hell. Just because someone wears a suit and there’s no pentagram on their lapel makes them no less a follower of Satan. We are in the midst of a demonic battle for the soul of America.
Those who speak glibly about the death of those in the womb and who seek the physical destruction of children through surgeries and medications are advocating for Satan himself.
When you essentially worship abortion, sex in whatever form it takes, and the environment/mother Earth, the specific political candidate that aligns with these values is all that matters.
Will Christians get off the sidelines with the understanding they’re not voting for Jesus, but a flawed human being ? Still, there are only two options, choose a side or sit idly by like lambs to the slaughter.
Tough words? Maybe. I suspect it may all come down to this on who is elected November 5th.
A pastor/sermon (Gary Hamrick) succinctly explains the issues/candidates positions in this upcoming presidential election. Please share by cutting/pasting link below.
https://youtu.be/lee4Y7Bh5RA?feature=shared
I agree that our obligation belongs to God and His Kingdom goals. They speak the campaign rhetoric, but I feel neither presidential candidate appears to act with this same obligation, and most people acknowledge this frustration. Realize there are other choices than our 2 primary candidates. Expand our research beyond the mainstream feed, and be sure to vote for every office that is up for election. Our country runs on all 3 branches of government.
There will be no crowns in heaven for complacency. In fact, Jesus himself says to John in Revelation 3:16; “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” That’s a pretty graphic representation of how Jesus views a “Christian,” not being the salt and light of society, sitting in the spectator stands and not being on the playing field, remaining in the pews, and not making a difference in our culture. We each will have our own eternal resume when we stand before Jesus one day at the BEMA seat of Christ, the benefit or not to last for all eternity. Not voting in elections goes beyond complacency. It actually shows being complicit with the anti-God policies that ensue. Some on the left are fond of claiming to be on the right side of history. People should be more concerned about being on the right side of eternity. It’s a much longer time…