Real Man’s Toolbox – Exercise Your Right to Cast a Ballot

By Leo Hellyer 

Editor’s note: The following column is the author’s take on the importance of voting. As stated in the article, he is not endorsing a candidate but is upholding the right to participate in  democracy by exercising the right to cast a ballot. 

I can unequivocally say that the United States of America is the greatest nation in existence today. We need men (and women) of all ages, in all communities, at all levels of organizations and government agencies to step up and lead as people of God. Across the board, our nation is at a vital crossroads of historic proportions. 

As I continue to lead you in this column, rest assured, I am not going to suggest who you vote for, or what stand you should take on any issue. I hope to lead you to honestly examine what issues are important to you as you exercise your right to vote for the future of our society. To guide us in this process I have chosen two Scriptures to lay the foundation for our deliberations. 

Romans:13:1-2 reads: “Every person must obey the leaders of the land. There is no power given but from God, and all leaders are allowed by God. The person who does not obey the leaders of the land is working against what God has done. Anyone who does that will be punished.” 

Once a person is elected to the office of President of the United States, or any other office, we must believe and respect the fact that God, for whatever reason He chooses, has allowed this person to be in the office that they were elected to, at this time. Maybe He wants to heal our nation, maybe He wants to make our nation more powerful, or maybe He wants us to learn something. 

Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

We need to be in fervent prayer for our nation and our nation’s leadership. Our nation will not thrive without God’s blessings. It is up to each of us to “let our requests be known to God”. 

This great nation, unlike many other nations, has a rich tradition of peaceful transition of power throughout our history. Each of us as citizens has the right and responsibility to vote our mind and thereby guide this peaceful transition of power. Does this mean that we always are thoroughly happy with the outcome of every election? No. But we let the process of democracy run its course. Does it mean that when we don’t get our way in the election, we threaten to leave the country? No, we try to redirect our nation from wherever we are, physically, politically, and spiritually. 

By being a citizen of the United States of America, we benefit from a myriad of freedoms that most people in other nations do not enjoy. Along with those freedoms come some responsibilities as well. We have the freedom to vote, and we have the responsibility to exercise that freedom by going through the process, and voting. Over the years, many men and women have died protecting our right to vote, along with our other freedoms. Many of our citizens are still experiencing the physical and mental trauma from protecting our freedoms. We need to cherish our freedoms and honor their sacrifice. 

If we love this country, as believers in Jesus Christ, we must do everything we can to ensure that our thoughts, passions, beliefs, and convictions are heard. The most effective way to be heard is when you fill out your ballot and put your will down on paper to be tabulated. For your vote to be counted, you need to vote. For our nation to be the best that it can be, you need to vote. To change ungodly things in our nation, you need to vote. 

As Christians, we are the “light of the world”. We cannot let that light be hidden, because when it is hidden long enough, it will be extinguished. We can enlighten our world if we are seen and heard. We need to take our light out from being hidden; we need to be seen and heard. We need to be warriors for Christ. We need to “fight the good fight”. We need to be “Christian soldiers” willing to go into battle for godly values, virtues, policies, and laws. One of the most effective weapons we can deploy in this spiritual warfare is our VOTE. 

In Luke 8:15, Jesus tells us, “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.” 

We are the seed in the good soil, we are the ones who have heard the Word with a good and virtuous heart. We know what God’s truth is. We need to speak God’s truth when we vote. If we do vote, and persevere, we will produce fruit. It is time for the so-called “silent majority” to no longer be silent, but to be heard loud and clear. 

If we do not exercise our right to vote no matter what the office – local, state, or national –  then we do not have any authority to critique or complain about who was elected. If your desire is for the United States of America to continue to be a blessed and godly nation, then you must vote your heart, soul, convictions and morals, as God Almighty leads you. 

Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for 50 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. Leo has also been serving with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries for more than 20 years and is currently serving at the River of Life Rescue Mission. He is president and chief firearms instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at [email protected] or (208) 340-5544.