Obligated to vote

It is estimated that in the 2000 national election some 4 million professed Christians failed to cast their votes. Those who think it unimportant and futile or hold the belief that politics should be left out of the church are foolish and ignorant of the holy Scripture. God instituted government for our benefit. It is a gift, and He expects Christians to take an active role in its process. A people will get the government it deserves and abstention indicates that a people do not care. If those who profess Christianity are not praying for those in authority over our nation and are unwilling to vote their consciences, God will hold the church accountable.

We are in essence akin to the worthless, lazy servant who, when given a task by the master, did nothing and was later stripped of what he had and cast out. The right to vote is not only a privilege; it is an obligation for all qualified Americans. If you fear God and love America, stand up and be counted.

Lon Pearson
Decatur, Ala.