Calling All Voters, Especially Christians: Missouri Republican Presidential Caucus This Saturday
I have shared my story many times in the past several years—the story of how much I hated politics for most of my life and never voted a single time until I was 34 years old. That was for the 2004 presidential election. Some of you hearing this for the first time may be surprised because I often deal with politics in my writing and podcast, but it’s true. I came quite late to the party. I regret how apathetic I was about understanding political parties and platforms, but I am mostly regretful that I did not appreciate the value of my vote—as an American, yes, but even more as a Christian. It’s not like it wasn’t repeatedly stressed how important it is that Christians vote. I heard it countless times; I just didn’t care. But God surprisingly changed my heart, and so tomorrow, Saturday, March 2, I intend to participate in another first for me: the Missouri Republican Presidential Caucus, which will, as the title indicates, help determine who will be elected President of the United States in November.
The nation is freefalling, and it’s a troubling sight to behold. While I do not look to politicians to be the answer, I do believe Christians are to be a vital part of the answer. We are the light in the dark and the salt of the earth, as we often say. In this nation, citizens have the right to do what many other nations do not have the right to do: select their own leaders through free and fair elections—which, sadly, has been questionable in recent years. People, therefore, are losing faith in our election system, just as we are in our justice system, yet another reason why voting is essential—so those who have an interest in stealing the will of the people don’t win.
Most importantly, God has graced His people with a moral compass called His Word and His Spirit, which are what He expects those called by His name to rely on for wisdom to support and select leaders who align with that compass. If not us, then who? There are those who would say, I suppose, that Christ has nothing to do with the voting process, but Christians must not be among those who hold that view. That mindset is in stark contrast to Scripture and, frankly, common sense. We can look at the world around us and see the need for Christians to stand up, speak up, vote up. Ultimately and in every way, we need God to make things right, but we cannot look to God to do what we will not do. As God said to Moses, “What’s that in your hand?” He never expects us to do what we cannot do, but He does expect us to do what we can and should do.
Missouri decided to hold a caucus for this election, rather than a primary, so Saturday will be our primary of sorts—the only opportunity citizens of the Show Me State get to show where we stand on this election, on the issues, and on the direction of this nation. It matters. It’ll be a learning experience also, as, again, I’ve never participated in a caucus, but it’s yet another part of the freedoms this nation affords its people. I look forward to being a part of it, and I encourage every registered voter to be a part of it also, especially if you are a Christian.
Missouri’s caucuses are by location, and each county’s caucus begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. One must register (and be on time) to participate. If you have not preregistered, arrive at your location early—about 8:00 a.m.—to register in person. Be sure to have a photo ID, voter registration card, and, if preregistered, the confirmation email you received. For your specific location and all other pertinent information, click this link.
I hope to see you there.
Click below for my special offer, which expires late afternoon Saturday:
Participating in Lee's Summit, MO! 🙂