MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT Patrick Morrison      One of the greatest privileges that we enjoy in a democratic nation is the opportunity to elect officials who will govern us.  Not only is it a great privilege to vote, but it is also a grave responsibility which all of us should take very seriously.  The power to change the course of this nation has been placed within the hands of every individual of legal voting age.
     Politicians understand the power that each voter holds.  This is why they will spend so much time, energy, and money to secure your vote.  Candidates know who holds the power come election day.  Many who run for political office will promise anything and everything in an attempt to garner votes.  It is the responsibility of the voter to be informed regarding the candidates, and then to choose those who will lead this nation in a proper way.  In other words, we need to make our votes count.
     As important as the upcoming elections are, the most important election is that of which the Bible speaks.    In a way we are the candidate, and in a way we are the voter.  God has cast His vote for us.  God trusts man to make the right decisions in life, to follow after Him.  Therefore, He has made us creatures of choice.  Had God not trusted man, He would have left us with no choice but to obey Him.  On the other side, Satan has also cast his vote for our souls.  He believes that we will succumb to his campaigning and follow after his promises.  Satan trusts man to pursue his own lusts and worldly pleasures.  In this spiritual election for our souls, we have a tie.  Our vote will make the difference as to who will govern our lives.  Make your vote count!
     Those who consider the evidence before them in God’s word, and cast their vote for God are called God’s elect.  Before time began, God put into motion a plan that all who would be saved would be saved in Christ (Eph.1:4).  Those who obey the gospel, having their sins washed away by the blood of Christ, are elect in him (1 Pet.1:2).  Those who have chosen God to govern their lives are the winners in the most important election of all (1 Th.1:4).  However, we must be careful not to change our vote if we have voted to stand with God.  Those who elect to stand with Satan will enjoy the pleasures of his promises for a short time (Heb.11:25), but they will experience pain, anguish, and horror that come as a result of following after the Great Deceiver (Mt.25:41).
     Counting day is coming.  As long as we still draw breath, we can change our vote.  If you have cast your vote with Satan, change it before it becomes unchangeable, before you are doomed to an eternity in hell with him.  For those who have cast your vote for God, “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Pet.2:10).  Make your vote count!