I consider the upcoming presidential election to be the most important in my lifetime. We, as Americans, are blessed to have “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” but democracy has one key requirement: our participation. Voting should be considered an honor, a privilege and a duty.

A couple of years ago, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 25 to 35 percent of eligible Americans are not registered to vote. In any given election, if 50 percent of the eligible people vote, it is considered an average or above average turnout.

More than a right, voting is a privilege that millions of people in other parts of the world can only dream about. Still, many Americans choose not to participate in the democratic process. I can understand some people not voting, but I have a difficult time when Christians neglect their responsibility to take an active part in selecting our leaders.

In 2000, only one out of four evangelical Christians voted in the national elections.  Christians can be heard saying, “Well, God is in control, and He is going to take care of everything.” But what they don’t realize is that God takes care of everything precisely through His people. He always wants His people to do battle in every area of their lives, including the election process.

Many of my loyal friends who really care about God’s ministry of Get High on Life tell me I shouldn’t get involved. I sincerely appreciate their concern, but if my motives are right, I’m expected, as a Christian, to take an active part.

In his book, “When Nations Die,” Jim Nelson Black wrote, “One of the greatest reasons for the decline of American society over the past century has been the tendency of Christians who have practical solutions to abandon the forum at the first sign of resistance.”

Our faith in God should motivate us to be active in the political arena. It is absolutely critical that Christians be registered, informed and vote their values. As believers, we have a duty to be involved in the democratic process.

This coming Tuesday, let’s accept our responsibility and vote.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.