Today, focus is upon Christian believers as voters, prayer, and response to a teen whose parents have agreed will decide their votes in the upcoming presidential election. Politics and the electoral process are finite tools to determine the distribution of resources within the World system, and are intended to maintain balance, respect, survival, and unity. Because there is emphasis upon things carnal, material and social, for many suffrage is practiced as competition, conflict, excess, idolatry, lust for power, and exaggerated pride. Where citizens also continually acknowledge possibilities for the active presence of divinity within their own lives and that of their community, participation and self-government can crystallize and express a sense of freedom, maturity, shared goals, and fruitful standards. One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Philippines)” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (profile information not supplied) posted the following:
November 8 is my birthday and my parents say that one of my "presents" is my option to chose which candidate for them to vote for?
One of my birthday presents is my choice for them to vote for Hillary or Trump. I don't know much about them latey, but I do know that they're both stupid retreads and unworthy of presidency. Parents told me ahead of time so I can make a choice on whom they can vote for. Both H and T fans, give my a reason why I should support Republican or Democrat. I'm 13 years old, so I'm not mature enough to know modern politics
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1st Timothy 2: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); A Learned Council of Elders? (05/10/2016); American Culture and Law? (07/13/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); Faith not Politics? (12/02/2014); Ye Are Not In The Flesh (12/03/2014)
“Anonymous”, maturity is not a matter of chronological age (how old you are) so much as attitude, confidence, focus, and preparation. There have been many times in history when a child or young adult became head of their nation as king supported by guardians and chief ministers. For mature Americans who are Christian believers, franchise and the freedom to vote in elections are a lawful duty and legal obligation that one earns by commitment, hard work, performing honorably and with integrity, personal investment, and sacrifice that becomes visible as their ongoing participation in the collective creation of a fruitful, stable commonwealth, (we say, community, municipality, nation, state, township). Many mistakenly embrace the idea of having a “right” to vote as an entitlement granted by GOD along with existence, or that automatically comes by birth, by membership, or as ones family inheritance and legacy. Franchise demands “due diligence,” the careful work of becoming informed and evaluating secular information from multiple sources (e.g., endorsements, public debates, media reports, polls and survey data, authoritative recommendations). Concerning politics that decide the operations and quality of government, GOD should not be approached for “victory” on the basis of divine favor (we say, unearned) and not in accordance with the demands of sacred standards the way some call for the success of their favorite sports teams. Contrary to the many demonstrations of civil disobedience, Christians are commanded to respect those in authority and obey the common law. In our Nation today, many still cast their votes (even when serving on a jury) only after prayer, and seeking counsel and input from GOD. Truly born-again believers do not respond to life challenges relying only upon desires, sentiment and superstition. There should be accountability and the application of divine standards as well as sober responses to outcomes and consequences. Thus believers may petition GOD for balance, clarity of mind, courage, and discernment to characterize their own decision-making as surely as they may request, Thy will be done. Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:
(1.) Romans 13: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(2.) Romans 13: 7-10, KJV: 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
(3.) Jeremiah 29: 11-13, KJV: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) James 1: 5-8, KJV: 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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