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An editorial by Larry Frazier
Some people take freedom for granted because on the surface they have never been denied anything in life. They live their lives from day to day with no thought of American history, much less African-American history. But “freedom” is defined as: not being forcibly bound or confined by anyone or anything. President Abraham Lincoln said in 1859: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
Freedom became an everyday word during the years of the Civil Rights Movement. “Freedom Now!” was a common chant while the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded the nation that Black people would someday be “Free at Last!” The activists of the Civil Rights Movement were calling the downtrodden to standup, and the oppressors to relent, so that freedom might truly ring for all of God’s children. King said in 1965: “Voting is the foundation stone for political action. With it, the Negro can eventually vote out of office public officials who bar the doorway to decent housing, public safety, jobs, and decent, integrated education. To do this, voting is essential.”
God has put governments in place to act as His arm for the execution of the law. God expects all people to submit to the law, and especially His law. He further expects Christians, who have dual citizenship between heaven and earth, to take part in governing, and to apply the blessings of the Gospel to their participation in government. Going to the polls to vote is a participatory & civic duty that Christians, and indeed ALL people, can and should rightly undertake (see Jeremiah 29:7, Romans 13:7). In paying His taxes, even Jesus participated in the government of His day.
Jesus also went one better; He brought true freedom to the Earth. Those who believe in Him have true freedom and protection from their worst enemy, Satan. Those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world enjoy the freedom of being the Children of God. Once Jesus has set you free, you are free indeed to carry His name and example in your heart, and no one will make you afraid.
So vote! You are free. . .and called to do so.
