Here’s a good reminder for 2012…from over 150 years ago.
“The fate of the country does not depend on how you vote at the polls — the worst man is as strong as the best at that game; it does not depend on what kind of paper you drop into the ballot-box once a year, but on what kind of man you drop from your chamber into the street every morning.” Henry David Thoreau, July 4, 1854
Simply stated…
Our country’s destiny depends more on our daily choices than who we cast our vote for once every four years.
I think the Apostle Paul would have agreed with Thoreau on that point. While he probably wasn’t reflecting on voting when he wrote to the people of Rome, in Romans 12 he lays out a civics lesson for the ages. Here’s what he says (in part) it should look like when Christ-followers are good citizens.
- Love must be sincere — no hypocrisy…no platitudes…love truly.
- Hate what is evil — don’t play footsies with something that will kill you.
- Honor one another above yourselves — put others first.
- Keep your spiritual fervor — love God passionately.
- Practice hospitality — my neighbors matter…all of them.
- Live in harmony with one another — unity is essential…it’s worth fighting for.
- Do not be proud — maybe others’ points of view (even political!) have real validity.
- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good — this isn’t just the goal, this is possible with God.
What would our world look like if we dropped ourselves into the street every morning embodying these qualities?
So let’s vote…then let’s do what’s more important: live our lives in humble, evil-resisting, passionate, love. Every day.
Unsolicited Hope 
Love it!!!
Reblogged this on Life. Unplugged. and commented:
Check out this blog from a great friend of mine! Timely…especially for tomorrow.
Jeff, thanks for your encouragement! I appreciate your leadership.
I wish there were a love button, because I do!!! Thank you!
What would it look like?
Much appreciated!
I’m SO proud that you’re my son, Tim. You embody what you’ve shared here. Love, Dad
You’re kind, Dad…but I only wish I lived these out well. Love you!
True dat! I’m much less concerned about who the President is than I am about what their policies represent to my kids and (someday) grandkids in a world that idealizes that role. That said, the wider the gap between what political policies represent and how my personal priorities are lived out, the more chance for Jesus to shine brighter in a dark world.
Great thoughts, Paul. I totally agree with you.
Thank you for posting this. I “LIKE”. 🙂 And at the the end of the Day. In the beginning and to the end of the next Term. Its doesn’t matter who is president. What matters is who IS King in my life. The Answer for me will always be “JESUS” (The living Son of God) is King and Lord of my life. Higher than any King or President of this world. This one thing will always remain true in my life and in my Heart. That is what is most important. God bless America! Amen. 🙂 – HL
Thanks for your passionate response, Heather!
The central need of society is not having more red or blue politics… it’s a change of heart. When we let Christ change our hearts on our daily basis, begining from our families, are culture will transformed. When our culture is transformed, the political arena will follow suit. But as you said, it begins with our daily decisions. Well done, Tim!
Joshua…thanks for your great comment. I believe you are right that families are central to cultural transformation.