September 15, 2024
In 1787, when Benjamin Franklin was walking out of the convention hall, a woman approached him and asked him a question regarding whether or not they had been given a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded by saying, “A republic, madam - if you can keep it.”
Think about that for a moment. What is the difference between the two? Well, if we were to pick one word to describe our responsibility as citizens for each, it would be to “obey” if it is a monarchy and to “participate” if it is a republic.
One of our most sacred responsibilities of participating in a constitutional republic is to vote! That responsibility is based upon the fact that the first three words of the constitution are “We the people…” Also, the Declaration of Independence reminds us that government is to be based upon the “consent of the governed.”
As many of you are aware of, we have an election coming up on November 5th. It is important that as citizens of the United States we are registered to vote so we can participate in this year's general election. Here in the state of Georgia, you have until October 7th to register.
Here are some other important dates:
Click here to watch a video from W. Thomas Hammond, Jr., executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, encouraging our citizens to register to vote.
Thomas reminds us that we need to “do something that's critically important for our nation” and “it's one of the most sacred responsibilities that you have as a citizen and that is to vote.” He further states, “…it's so important for all of us to take our responsibility seriously as American citizens and to vote our convictions.”
You see, we must be reminded that God is the one who came up with government as a stewardship responsibility here on this earth (see Romans 13). And being that we are in the United States of America (a constitutional republic), it’s important that we carry out our responsibility to participate as an act of obedience to God.
Jesus himself called us as Christians to be salt and light, therefore if we engage in the public square for the cause of Christ we can make a difference in our elections. The difference is made when we pray, when we register to vote, when we vote and when we consider running for public office.
Please take this opportunity to engage our government for the purpose of doing what is right, what honors God and shows our love for our neighbor in doing so. God bless you as we pray and seek the Lord's will for our nation.
___
Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
