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It's Time to Walk the Walk - Part IV
Previously in our series, It’s Time to Walk the Walk, (See Archives) we looked at specific ways we can positively affect our society. These included: Be Knowledgeable, Be a Healer Not a Wounder, Find the Off Button, Don’t Shoot Your Wounded, Teach Your Children and Grandchildren, and Be Involved in Your Local Schools. In this Studies we will examine the Christian’s role in the political process. Christians have the right and obligation to be involved in the political process of the Nation. This activity must be kept within the bounds of the law (See Archives, Who Is My Caesar?) and our conduct should always be honorable. As with all issues, we must be knowledgeable about local, state, and national matters, especially prospective legislation that will have an impact on our lives. We must also know the position our legislators and other officials have taken on these matters. What is said on the campaign trail and what is practiced in the chamber are not necessarily the same. The internet has a wealth of information for the selective reader. Talk radio is another source of information but the listener must judge all information in light of known truth. Sharing information with your friends and relatives can be an effective way to network knowledge. Being knowledgeable takes a real effort but ignorance is not an option. Ignorance and indifference on the part of the general public are partly to blame for the problems we are currently facing. It is a shame that many professed Christians know more about American Idol contestants and who got voted off Survivor than who is making decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families. Christians must also remember that we are not subjects of the government but citizens of the Nation. As citizens we select and employ representatives. These representatives are bound by the Constitution and have no authority outside of it. It is imperative that citizens know that government is answerable to them. “We the people" are the employers and government officials are the employees. They are supposed to work for us. We must also know that in a democratic, federal, constitutional republic (the form of government established by the Founders) the majority is never given the right to vote away the rights of the individual. ‘Majority rules’ is not applicable when an individual citizen’s rights are threatened by popular vote or whim. What specifically can we do? Vote wisely. Pray before you vote. Know the candidates. Know their records. Realize that performance cannot be disassociated from character and character cannot be disassociated from associates. Once elected, hold the official accountable. Should they choose to act contrary to what is in the best interest of the people, fire them by voting them out of office. Elected officials who know that their careers may be short-lived if they act irresponsibly are more likely to be conscientious servants of the people. Do not hesitate to contact officials. Representatives I have written to, especially on a local and state level, are generally very receptive of my concerns and respond in a timely fashion. National representatives are more likely to respond with a form letter. Courtesy and knowledge will serve you well when contacting a representative. Please remember, even as they represent you, you, as a Christian, represent Christ. If an elected official is disinterested in your thoughts when you contact them, they should not expect your vote during the next election regardless of how much interest they show in you at that time. Support those men and women who represent you well. Let them know that you believe they are doing a good job in a difficult situation. They need to know that they do not stand alone when they stand for what is right. Pray. Pray for this Nation. Pray for our leaders, even, and perhaps especially, for those who stand contrary to the Godly principles you adhere to. Never forget that our God is still involved in the affairs of men and He answers prayer.
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