Pastor's Column: What's your decision
By LYNDON DECKER
First Southern Baptist Church
For the past several weeks the American people have been faced with decisions. We have had to decide who to vote for or to vote at all. We have been bombarded with information, some true and some false from all sides in an effort to brainwash us to choose their way. The tremendous privilege and responsibility we have to vote has become a real challenge. There will be those who will be disappointed with the results and those who will be delighted. We can be assured that either way the future of our country will be determined.
Regardless of the outcome the Christian community has an obligation to pray for those in authority. Paul in Romans chapter 13 exhorts the believers to be in subjection to those in authority. He does not specify what kind of leaders but that all authority is there by God. He is the one who holds the future. Through our prayers God can work His will even with leaders who do not honor Him.
Even though decisions in the political process are very important our spiritual decisions are more important. We enjoy the freedom we have in our land but what about our spiritual freedom. In John's gospel the eighth chapter verses 31-36 Christ challenges His listeners with this issue. We have all been born enslaved in sin and depravity and until we have become a child of God we are not free. True freedom comes only when we acknowledge our conditions and accept God's provision.
Of all the decisions we make in life, our spiritual decision is by far the most important. Jesus states in the John passage that when He makes us free we are free. There is no question about that status. We have all made a decision, either to be free or to continue in spiritual bondage. What has been your decision?
(Note: This was written before the election and was no way influenced by it.)
