Sermon Snippet – Sanctified Voting
INTRODUCTION – I preached a similar message two years ago, but someone I respect told me then that I needed to preach it again. We need Biblical principles in all areas of our lives, including in politics. For example, Isaiah 33:22 is the basis for the three branches of American government, and Jeremiah 17:9 is the foundation for the separation of power of these branches and for the concept of limited government. It is fashionable to flog the Founding Fathers, but at least they were honest enough and humble enough to look into their own hearts and discern danger. Lord John Acton correctly observed, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” To that cogent warning, we should hasten to add that power attracts corruptible people. Our Declaration of Independence affirms our “inalienable rights,” that is, our God-given rights. One of these is voting. As we exercise the franchise, we can make good or bad choices, sanctified or unsanctified votes.
1. A SANCTIFIED VOTE PROTECTS GOD’S LITTLE ONES
Matthew 18:1-7 makes clear that we must cherish the “little ones” (verse 6). This term must include the unborn, as a quick comparison of Luke 1:41 and 2:12 confirms (“babe” is the same Greek word in both verses). When is the last time that both candidates for a major office were pro-life (around here, anyway)? Often, both are pro-abortion. There are serious personal implications (verse 7) that must lead to national implications. A sanctified vote protects God’s little ones and stands strongly against what is in actual practice black genocide; an unsanctified vote attacks God’s little ones and supports rank racism. We must insist, though, that God’s full forgiveness is available to all who repent and trust in Him.
2. A SANCTIFIED VOTE PROTECTS JOBS
Both I Thessalonians 14:11-12 and II Thessalonians 3:11-12 specifically speak of this issue. Of course, every candidate proclaims support for jobs. We must consider the actual policies: have they ever been effective in the past? Let us also remember the two basic common-sense laws of economics: whatever we tax we get less of, and whatever we subsidize we get more of. A sanctified vote protects jobs; an unsanctified vote attacks jobs.
3. A SANCTIFIED VOTE PROTECTS LAW AND ORDER
I Timothy 2:1-3 was first written to people living in the Roman Empire, a most imperfect entity. Still, the great goal for all is to “lead a quiet and peaceable life” (verse 2). A sanctified vote protects law and order; an unsanctified vote attacks law and order.
4. A SANCTIFIED VOTE PROTECTS FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
We can live either in verses 23-25 or in verses 26-27 of Hebrews 10. Our Constitution says that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” “Exercise” means not belief but action, specifically, the act of worship. The Bible is even stronger: Christians must worship. A sanctified vote protects freedom of worship; an unsanctified vote attacks freedom of worship.
CONCLUSION – There is no perfect candidate. In fact, if the only perfect candidate were running, He would lose. Yes, Jesus would lose at the ballot box, as Matthew 7:13-14 states. Let us be sure to cast sanctified votes; even more so, let us be certain that we are eternally sanctified through a saving faith in Jesus Christ.