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“...render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21

Dear Caesar,

I am writing a friendly reminder to make sure you vote in the coming elections. You see, part of your Christian responsibility is to be an engaged Caesar who uses your vote with the intention of promoting good and disrupting evil. 

You should seek to know the issues that are on the docket. For example, did you know that Nebraska Initiative Measures 440 and 441, if approved, would legalize online sports betting in the state of Nebraska? Did you know that, since the legalization of online sports betting elsewhere, there have been concerning surges in gambling addiction (particularly among young men)? Caesar, do you want to promote something that could be so harmful to our society?

Also, do your best to understand the candidates who are running for office. No, Caesar, you are correct: there aren’t any perfect candidates. However, if you wait for one, you will never exercise your God-given responsibility. Wouldn’t it be wise to use your vote, given the knowledge you gain, to select the option which most closely represents God-honoring values?

Have you forgotten, Caesar, of the responsibility you’ve been granted? Don’t you realize that, based upon Jesus’ words (Matthew 22:21) and our representative democracy in these United States, you are Caesar? Don’t you remember that the Constitution of our nation has granted you that civic responsibility? 

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”*

So, Caesar, don’t use Jesus’ command, “...render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” don’t use His words to excuse yourself from your authority and role in our constitutional republic. In a way, through your vote, you share the role of Caesar.

So, happy voting, Caesar. 

God bless,

 

*https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/preamble/