The most important vote you’ll ever cast doesn’t happen at the polls.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day came to him hoping to trip him up (Mark 12:13-17). Tiberius Caesar, a brooding paranoid who regularly executed those who challenged him, was ruler of the most powerful nation in the world. Many considered him “what’s wrong with this country.” So the leaders asked, “To whom should we pay taxes?” implying it would be wrong to support such a government. Indeed, democracy and morality had collapsed under the the Caesars — the number one form of entertainment was public spectacles featuring battles to the death, rape, torture, and executions.
Jesus pointed to the tribute coin and asked, “Whose image is this?” “Caesar’s!” they spat back. “Well, then,” Jesus replied, “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Was he saying, “The Romans are good guys, so do what they tell you to do”? Hardly. He was saying, “You can’t get the freedom you’re looking for from any human government. You can only get it from God.”
My country is in the midst of a virulent election. Each of the leading candidates is considered by the opposition to be “what’s wrong with this country.” They may or may not be right. But whoever’s image ends up imprinted in the media, it’s God’s image that is imprinted on us (Genesis 1:27), and real freedom can only be found in our Creator. So vote for the best human you can, but render to God what is God’s. Because giving yourself to God is…
The most important vote you’ll ever cast.
AMEN! So well said. Thanks!
My pleasure, Carol.
Agreed! “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Amen, Nancy.
Well said Mitch.
And WE ALL know which candidate loves the country, understands the plight of migrants and citizens alike, and will stand firm in the face of economic challenges and foreign power belligerency.
that person has my written-in vote. I can’t wait for January when we inaugurate Kanye West into the White House! 😉 Mike
;>)
Yes yes yes. What is of the earth comes and goes, God is for life. Thanks for the reminder.
My privilege, Martha.
Amen! God puts into office whoever he wants for HIS purposes, not ours. No matter which way it goes God is in charge and our vote should always be for him first and foremost. You have way of making it sound so plain and simple! Thank you.
My privilege, Sheryl.
I already voted myself 💙 but my heart belongs to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Amen!
Our preacher ask some to give a sermon every once in a while. I did it this year around a month ago…on the election. I didn’t favor one or the other in the sermon…I don’t like either but I am more conservative than liberal…but what matters is our true King….and it’s neither one that is running around the country right now.
Preach it, Max.
Thanks Mitch. What are the two things you are taught not to talk about in public? I did both. It went well though.
Thank you for your wise words. We voted last week to avoid the lines. I had some trepidation regarding my choice, but in the long run, I believe my candidate has the American people in mind and will do the job. I don’t know what the result will be, but I know that God is in control of everything in our lives, including our government, which He ordained. Since He knows a lot more than I do, I’m sure He knows exactly who should fill the position. Whatever happens. we need to unite again as states and stop back biting, feeling offended by everything and turn off our devices and talk to each other again.
Amen, Kathy.
Thanks Mitch and well-said. I wrote a piece this morning – I early voted – and the bottom line is that my citizenship is in God’s kingdom but my vote here should be a voice for the “least of these”. It’s our chance to give them a voice. It’s our job to keep loving folks no matter what happens on Tuesday.
Amen, Gregory.
Triple Amen, Mitch! I think that’s why I’m not as stressed about this election as many people are. I cast my vote for God and this beautiful world he created for us. I focus on that.
A refreshingly healthy perspective, Joanne.
This is so good, Mitch. And truth!
Thank you, Anonymous.
Some trust in Chariots
Some trust in horses
but We trust in the name of the Lord our God
Psalm 20:7
Amen.
might want to check out my “Who to Vote for” message I just posted
I will!
Spot on, Mitch. Thank you.
Very well said. Great take on this scripture.
Blessings
Thank you, and blessings to you as well, Pete.
Amen. Well spoken.
Thank you, Anonymous.
Amen. No matter what happens no matter how things go you can always and forever rely on the Lord.
Exactly! I honestly don’t understand people who idolize candidates, for any reason. They’re just human, and all flawed, like the rest of us. God is the only one worthy of our worship.
I couldn’t agree more, Ann.
Amen brother!
mark 12:11 is missing the hide the word & not sin against thee says in that verse
Amen, Mitch! Although I definitely have my preferences, when the adulation for certain political figures borders on worship, my response is the same in any case: “Thank you, but I have a Savior.”