Are you enrolled to vote in the general election on Saturday, September 23? If not, don’t worry, you have until Friday, September 22 to do so. I have left enrolment applications in the bookstand in the cafe. You can also enrol online (www.elections.org.nz), or at an advanced voting place. You are eligible to enrol and vote if you are 18 years or older AND you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident AND you have lived in New Zealand for one year or more continuously at some point.
You may say, “what has this got to do with the church?” Quite a bit really. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,” (1 Ti 2:1-2). The cruel Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 54 – 68) was in power when Paul wrote this letter.
Sometimes we forget to pray for those in government, or even choose not to because we “want them out!” But, if we are praying for the powers that govern our nation Satan is bound in some ways from operating. Also, God will also be guiding us on who to vote for right? As we research online the policies of the various parties, we can get an idea of the values and emphasis of the political parties, and individual candidates. Which candidates are Christian? Who may push an anti-Christian agenda if they were elected? What Christian values do we see operating? So let’s all make the effort to cast meaningful votes. We cannot disregard politics and live in a holy bubble awaiting the return of Christ. Jesus himself was a responsible citizen of the land, as were His disciples.
Happy voting Connect family
http://www.elections.org.nz/voters/find-my-electorate
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.