In the colonial era, it was the practice of ministers to preach what were called “artillery sermons” just before elections. The sermon today is an artillery sermon, taken in a broad sense, but I wanted to be a bit more specific here, with this artillery exhortation. In the civil realm, you will be casting ballots this week, and so here are a few words of exhortation in this regard.
First, avoid the extremes of idolatry and apathy. You have a responsibility to vote, and you have a responsibility not to make an idol out of the democratic process. Vox populi, vox Dei is idolatry. More often than not vox populi, vox humbug, as the fellow said.
Second, this is a service you are rendering to God, not to your humanistic and secular keepers and handlers. Therefore, as best as you can ascertain, vote for candidates who fear the triune God and hate covetousness. This would have to include covetousness undertaken on behalf of the government.
Third, pray for wisdom for those who come out of the election representing us. Pray that they would be receptive to God’s leading, and that they would continue to be open, or would become open, to godly counsel. But pray also that if they stiffen their necks against such wisdom that God in His justice would strike them down. More than a few of our rulers need to be thinking about hellfire more than they are.
Fourth, reject all phony dualisms as candidates vie for your vote. Refuse to listen to anyone who tells you that their personal values are one thing and their public values are another. Character matters, religion matters, ethics matter.
Fifth, regardless of what happens in the election, remember that the king’s heart is in God’s hand; He turns it whichever way He pleases. Our nation, and its processes of decision-making, are not exempted from this sovereignty. So, do your duty as a Christian, and then rest in God’s purposes for us.