There is a great deal of talk about the next election, always is. A great deal of hope is always pinned on these biennial exercises in freedom. However, we often overlook that we have more than just the vote at the ballot box. In fact, the framers of this nation anticipated that we would be fully functioning, full-time voters in the path our nation took and gave us frequent opportunities for our voices to be heard.
We all know about the vote at the ballot box. We also now know that our apathy and failure to vote our principles can have dire consequences for the nation that could go well beyond the next election cycle.
We also have the vote of the grand jury. This allows citizens to keep law enforcement and prosecutors in check. By serving in this important role, we have the opportunity to see evidence and ask questions directly of witnesses prior to indicting one of our fellow citizens to stand trial for serious offenses.
There is also the vote of the petit jury. This is commonly seen in the jury trial. This is the final defense of a citizen who is faced with having their life, liberty or property taken away from by process of law. We have seen many cases of “jury nullification” over the years. Like it or not, agree with it or not, it is a valid and constitutional role of each member of the jury to decide the case before it. Additionally, the petit jury is seen in civil cases where a person or company is faced with damages for an act damaging another person or company. Again, agree with the outcome or not, this is a constitutional role of the citizenry.
In both cases of jury votes, it always astounds the lengths to which citizens will go to avoid serving in these important roles, and yet the complaints of the outcomes are always so loud. Persons making an effort to get out of jury duty on a regular basis have no right to condemn the actions of those that do serve on juries.
However, the most overlooked vote of each citizen was also envisioned by the Founders, although not specifically mentioned anywhere in the Constitution. This is the vote in the marketplace where each person freely decides winners and losers in the economy by virtue of their purchases of products and services. Yet, this is a vote that most exercise blindly and with little thought of the consequences.
This brings me to the War on Christmas. We hear much complaining about the assault on Christmas every day at this time of year. Many companies shamelessly avoid or detract from Christmas, yet everyday unwitting consumers pump cash into their coffers, voting for and ratifying the bad behavior of these companies.
The most notable example of late is Best Buy. This retail giant has apparently decided, rightfully so, that Christians will continue to shop there, despite their paying homage to nearly every holiday but Christmas. I received an e-mail from them recently that contained no reference to Christmas whatsoever, yet the banner at the bottom of the page had a Happy Kwanzaa greeting. In fact, I searched their site for the word “Christmas.” Do you know where I finally found it? On pre-printed gift cards. That’s right, if you buy a gift card from Best Buy, you can have the words “Merry Christmas” printed on a plastic card redeemable for their merchandise. But you can’t get the clerk to say “Merry Christmas” while selling it to you.
Now, the rest of what I have to say is aimed toward Christians, because it is toward Christians that this War on Christmas is directed.
Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV)
If we are true believers, we already accept the premise that our Heavenly Father owns everything and that we are stewards of His blessings, tasked with using what He gives us for His purposes. Most of us say, “Yes, I believe that.” And we give our tithes and offerings, even our time, to the work of the Kingdom. But that is where it usually ends.
Was it just a coincidence that God placed over 2300 verses in the Bible about money and possessions? Or that Jesus spent more time talking about these things than he did heaven and hell combined?
No. Our Father in Heaven, who sees and knows all, knew that money would be the greatest challenge for believers and the biggest tool used by enemies of the truth.
Right now, our faith is under assault from every angle. Hollywood routinely mocks us in movies. The far left is passing laws that should nauseate the conscience of every Christian, for example, abortions and using our money to fund the atrocities, not only here in our country, but around the world. Many businesses have bought into the secular progressive movement and are using their money to fund the assault on Christianity.
There is no question that our nation, even the world, is at a dangerous time. This is because the time is growing short and the adversary is growing more bold and maybe even desparate. And many of us are unwitting accomplices of the attack on our own values!
So, what can you do about it?
First, take the attitude that the amount of money you have left after your tithes and offerings also still belongs to God. Your Father knows you need food, clothing, shelter, even entertainment and relaxation. But before you spend money on these things, take a moment to think about to whom you are giving the money.
For example, did you know that there is one auto insurance company that advertises very heavily and uses the money it brings in to help fund abortions, gay marriage efforts, and a host of other secular progressive assaults on our beliefs? And yes, the company’s name is Progressive. Therefore, every time a Christian makes a premium payment to this company, they are actually counteracting the benefit of the tithes and offerings they give to their church.
What about your entertainment, reading, and other media choices?
I can’t tell you how often I hear the phrase, “I can’t stand his politics, but I love his acting. So I go see his movies.” That money spent on the movie puts money into the Hollywood machine and actors’ pockets so that they can further their agenda against us.
I miss a lot of movies and shows because I refuse to help destroy God’s work, even as an unwitting accomplice. I’ve been ridiculed for this stand by even my friends and family.
But can you imagine the effect if for just a few months every professing Christian in this nation actually voted their conscience each time they pulled out the checkbook or debit card? How many things could we change about news coverage, Hollywood movies, companies’ donations to causes, etc.? Would we continue to support businesses that gladly take our Christmas shopping dollars, yet deny the very reason for our celebration?
So, please, the next time you spend God’s bounty on your personal needs, wants, and desires, ask yourself, “Am I being a faithful steward with God’s blessings?”
Will this work? Answer this: What happened to The Dixie Chicks? Heard from them lately?
Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm for the Lord?
