From voting on State Question 788, which would give marijuana a dangerous foothold in Oklahoma, to the nominating of candidates for various statewide offices including Governor, the 2018 Oklahoma Primary Election on June 26 promises to be a consequential one.
The significance of this moment should remind Christians of our opportunity—our duty—to exercise the right to vote. The right to vote was earned by the sacrifices of many men and women who came before us. This right should not be treated lightly or squandered.
Sadly, in this social media driven age, people are often more outspoken about the broken state of things than actively participating in the political process. That is why I am always encouraged when I see people exercising their right to vote.
I am also encouraged when I see godly people running for office. Consider these words from the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Like Paul, we live in an age of brokenness and corruption. Yet it should strike us that Paul calls on believers to pray “for those in authority” and to live lives of “godliness and dignity.” If the lives of today’s Christians were marked by prayer and godliness like what Paul describes, the world would notice the difference.
With so much brokenness around us, we cannot count on elections alone to fix things. We must utilize the spiritual tools God has given us and better recognize the opportunities presented us for prayer and sharing the Gospel.
Therefore, during this election cycle and beyond, let’s allow God to do a work in our hearts, as we pray and participate.
The Baptist Messenger and ERLC have highlighted information about State Question 788 that can be helpful for the June 26 election. I encourage you to visit www.bgco.org/SQ788.
