(Titus 3:1)
Even though most who read this Devotional are in the
United States, the country you live in doesn't matter. One of our
responsibilities as a child of God is to be a Godly citizen of the country
we live in. This is accomplished primarily by obeying the laws and honoring
those God has placed in leadership. Here are many scripture references that
support this: Ecclesiastes 8:2, Matthew 17;27, Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1, 1
Peter 2:13, 1 Peter 2:14, 1 Peter 2:17, Ezra 7:26, Exodus 22:38,
Ecclesiastes 10:20, Acts 23:5, Proverbs 14:34. For those of us fortunate
enough to live in the United Sates or in other democratic countries, we also
have the ability to have our voice heard through our vote. Let me just say
this. Voting is an incredible right we have, and it should not be taken
lightly. It is one way we can make our voice heard, and at the same time be
the Godly citizen we are to be. If you are not registered to vote, then
pray about it and get registered.
One of our most powerful ways to be a Godly citizen is through prayer. Pray
for your country. Pray for your leaders. Pray for God to bless your
country. Also, pray about those things that need to be changed. In the US,
for instance, we have an incredible problem with abortions, divorce, and how
incredibly easy it is to access any sin you can name. As you know, my
philosophy on social change is one heart at a time. There is a certain
amount that can be done politically, but real change can only come from God.
A great example was the Prohibition era. Making it unlawful to drink didn't
even slow it down. A great modern day example is the illegal drug crisis we
are in. The fact that they are illegal is little deterrent to those who
want to use these illegal substances. Again, real change comes one heart at
a time. The prayers of God's people works!
Another way that you can be a Godly citizen is through getting involved in
the political process. In a democracy like we have in the United States, it
invites people to participate. It gives those so led the opportunity to
give of themselves to help their fellow citizens. Like everything else in
this world, sin has perverted the true meaning of public service. In its
purist form, it is an act of serving. Unfortunately, it has deteriorated
into a way for some to get rich, acquire power, and fulfill self-serving
interests at the expense of the people they are supposed to be serving.
However, being involved with pure motives can be an incredible way in which
to not only serve your fellow citizens, but God as well. Not just as
someone who holds public office, but those many, many dedicated people it
takes in support positions. To this end, with the Presidential elections
less than 50 days away, I contacted the offices of Vice President Gore and
Governor Bush since both men claim to be Christians. I asked them if they
had their Christian testimony that I could share with our friends at
Liveprayer.Com. Vice President Gore's office said that he did not have a
testimony in written form; however, we did receive one from Governor Bush.
If you are interested in reading this, simply go to:
www.liveprayer.com/BushTestimony.html
I love you and care about you very much. You will be in my prayers. As you
go throughout your daily lives, never forget the responsibilities we have to
be Godly citizens. Again, the best way we can fulfill that responsibility
is by obeying the laws, respecting our leaders, and praying for our leaders
and nation. I sense in my spirit that our great land is on the verge of
losing much of the blessings God has bestowed upon us these past 200+ years
due to our sin and rebellion. We can read clear examples in the bible of
how God dealt with the children of Israel when they disobeyed. Even though
they were God's chosen people, he took the hand of blessing from them for
their disobedience. I hear the trumpet sounding its warning my friends.
Lets us turn from our sin before it is too late. Being a Godly citizen is
one way we can make that happen.
