We often think about being “text-driven” from the perspective of spiritual matters. However, we need to understand that God’s Word also teaches us about the practical things in life. One of the practical areas of life in which the Bible provides authoritative wisdom is politics.
Thomas Jefferson famously wrote about the separation of church and state. We tend to believe that religion has no place in politics. However, that is exactly the opposite of Jefferson’s view. His view of the separation of church and state was a response to a group of people known as The Danbury Baptist Association. This group of Baptist pastors and church members were concerned that America would become similar to England by adopting a State Religion. Therefore, they wrote a letter to Jefferson beseeching him to make sure that their freedom of religion was protected and that their practice of religion within the public square would not be restricted. Jefferson responded that there would be a separation of “church and state.”
Isn't it interesting that these early believers from The Danbury Baptist Association saw a biblical responsibility to engage in culture from the viewpoint of their understanding of Scripture? In many ways, you could say they were being “text-driven” in their cultural engagement.
Similarly, we, too, have a responsibility to be text-driven in our cultural engagement. As Americans, we have a constitutional right to engage freely in our voting processes. As believers, we have a biblical admonition to make sure that our actions (i.e., voting) align with God’s Word. Our allegiance is first and foremost to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who is seated on the throne on high.
Therefore, I want to urge you to engage culture—by voting—with a text-driven perspective.
Attached below is a great resource that outlines biblical values to uphold while you are stewarding your right to vote. This resource was published by some of our dear friends at The Danbury Institute.
In addition to the resource by The Danbury Institute, we have also recorded a special edition of the Text-Driven Podcast concerning this upcoming election.
As you steward your vote well on Tuesday, I want you to consider the words of Jesus. He said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). While this verse talks about the paying of taxes in a Roman government, the principle for us is to steward our constitutional responsibility, but understand that God wants more than our vote—He wants our life.
Finally, no matter the outcome on Tuesday, our responsibility as a believer remains the same. We exist to know God and make Him known through text-driven ministries. Let’s go and share the gospel with every man, woman, boy, and girl.
THE DANBURY INSTITUTE ELECTION SEASON RESOURCES
SPECIAL EDITION OF THE TEXT-DRIVEN PODCAST: EPISODE 181
