"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may leave peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I am exceedingly grateful for the freedom we have to choose our leaders. I see that women from all over the world are reading this blog, and I imagine that some of you live in places where this right is not (yet!) yours. Therefore, it saddens me when people of this great country do not take full advantage of the opportunity to vote. Men and women have fought, and even died, over the years to ensure that the gift to make our voices heard remains protected. Especially as women, we need to celebrate the freedom to speak our minds, stand up for our values, and show strong examples of patriotic citizenship to our children. While freedom in Christ is free due to His blood shed on the cross, freedom in America is free due to the sacrifices of many. Let's not allow this day to go by in vain. Enjoy fully experiencing your freedoms today, and perhaps, bring your children along to witness you choosing to exercise your right to be heard.
Depending on who you give your patriotic allegiance to, your guy may not win. Thankfully, because we are daughters of Christ, that is okay! Want to know why?
While this fact doesn't negate the necessity of voting, it reminds us that Jesus is still our ultimate authority regardless of who occupies the White House. And because we are Christ followers and respect the living Word of God, we live by its commands. Look above at the verse on gratitude that I chose today. God asks us to show thanksgiving for kings (i.e. the President) and all those in authority. We don't have to agree with him, we don't even have to like him, but we do need to show our gratitude for the simple fact that we live he is in charge in a society with established order, fair laws, and protected freedoms. I look at it as showing gratefulness for the office and government ordained by God, many years ago, for this great country. By voting, we are saying "thank you" for allowing me the opportunity to speak my mind. Showing respect for our President also sets a fantastic example for our children to learn to respect all people who are/will be in authority over them, including God. We won't always agree with those in authority (think about how little your toddler may agree with you on a daily basis!), but teaching the value of respecting authority is a lifelong tool which our children will be blessed to have.
This past Sunday, our pastor gave a phenomenal sermon titled, What God Says About the Government. If you would like to watch it, go to New Life Church sermons, then scroll down and click on "Acts, Week 25: Chapter 23." I pray it will educate and bless you, as it did my family.
Thanks for continuing with me on my November journey through scripture as I search for verses on gratitude. Be blessed, you voting mommies!
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