The Stewardship of Influence...America needs Christians to Vote.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13, 14
Over the years, preachers have used various metaphors to explain the properties of salt and light. The preserving, penetrating, and protecting property of salt and light is important. Too often however, preachers become weighed down with adjectives describing the nature of the two elements. Little time is spent explaining that Jesus was talking about influence.
Every Christian has influence. Many Christians use their influence wisely while some fail to realize the extent of their influence. Christians should be good stewards or “managers” of everything God entrusts to them. Influence is no different. Christians should use their influence in every walk of life.
The Declaration of Independence uses the words “their Creator” as a reference to the God of the Bible. However, the moral compass that once pointed America toward that Creator has shifted drastically. For instance, the A.C.L.U. strongly insists on a total separation of church and state and refuses to accommodate our nation’s rich Christian heritage. If Christians measure cultural success by widespread morality, their influence may be waning.
Some say the nation has never been more divided over moral and social issues. Poll numbers show that Americans are divided almost evenly between the presidential candidates. Is that a result of political party lines or because their ideological differences are radically different? Whoever becomes America’s next president may lead the nation toward a dismal future. How can that happen in a nation whose motto is “In God We Trust?”
Now is the time for Christians to be good stewards of their influence. Influencing American politics is an issue of good stewardship because Scripture tells believers to “render to Caesar those things that are Caesar’s”. The voting booth is also a place of power. In America, every vote is weighted equally. That equality gives individuals power to change the outcome. By voting in an election, believers exert the power of their influence. Therefore, by voting in this election, Christians are good stewards and powerful citizens.
There are those who strictly oppose Christian principles in American politics. Some political leaders have formed a litmus test against those ideals. They fear that Christian politicians will impact America’s legal system with their beliefs. Christian leaders see it differently. They want their beliefs to influence the political system. They believe that America has little hope without the infusion of Christian stewardship into the social and political process.
Can Christians make a difference in this election? Amazingly, the number of Christians registered to vote is staggering. If a large majority of Christians would vote on November 4th their influence would be decisive. If Christians decided the outcome of this election, the effects of their stewardship would be measured for years to come. Believers beware: pollsters, pundits, and partisans are counting on the fact that a large majority of evangelical Christians will not vote in this election. Be forewarned; much is at stake for every American!
Scripture tells us to redeem the time. Pastors everywhere should remind their congregations about the importance of this election. Pastors should explain that praying and voting is one way the Church can influence the course of America. During this election season, every Christian should be reminded about two truths: 1. If believers choose not to be good stewards and their influence is nullified, there is no other provision for godliness in our culture and 2. There will be a day when believers stand before the Lord and account for their stewardship, good or otherwise.
Choose to be good stewards and honor the Lord. Go vote and “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven”.
Michael Stewart
Stewardship Strategist
Louisiana Baptist Convention