BY the time this issue reaches our readers, Malaysians would have chosen their government in the country’s 11th General Election. Did you – the eligible Christian voter – cast the ballot? If you did not, you have missed an opportunity of fulfilling your obligations to God and the country, for voting is an act of stewardship.
Perhaps your absence at the voting centre was unavoidable and beyond your control. Whatever your reasons may be, it is too late to question the choice of government that has been elected. For we know that “there is no authority except that which God has established” (Rom. 13:1).
But it is not too late to discharge our responsibility of ensuring good governance, upholding righteousness, preserving our Constitution, and maintaining freedom of worship in Malaysia.
There are many ways we can be involved in these processes, one of which is to pray. Check out this issue’s Prayer Digest for prayer pointers and let us continue to bring our nation before God.
During the election period, we were reminded that as Christians, we practise dual citizenship – one of the Kingdom of God and the other of our earthly nation. As citizens of our earthly homeland, we must be responsible citizens. Jesus established this worldview when he declared, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
Responsible citizenship includes being aware of local issues, such as identifying the next development project in your neighbourhood and voicing your concerns, if any, to the appropriate authorities.
Responsible and accountable citizenship also requires us Christians to “always speak the truth in love.” Having a right relationship with the authority is an open door for us to speak the truth. |
