In this Presidential election, it’s hard for Christians to rally around either candidate.  Neither stands solidly in the Christian camp on the issues most of us hold dear.  And even if you do like Trump or Clinton, you can only cast one vote.  However, we can cast countless Eternal Votes, which will last far longer than just the next 4 years. 

You can have a much greater impact on who ends up in God’s House than on who winds up in the White House!

We’ve launched Vote for Eternity 20:16 to encourage 1,000,000 Christians to perform a simple act of kindness in the name of Jesus for a neighbor, coworker or a complete stranger by Election Day, NOVEMBER 8^th.  Then share your stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CastAnEternalVote, and challenge 3 Christians you know to “pay it forward”!

Jesus didn’t intend for His followers to be complacent or content, attending church on Sunday then doing little to serve the Lord Monday through Saturday.  How many churchgoers realize they’ve stepped into the mission field the second they get back in their cars in the church parking lot?  How many try each and every week to win people to Christ and invest time in making disciples?  Why do so few possess an acute sense of urgency to seek and save the lost?  Why do so many live comfortably while doing little to serve the helpless and hopeless?

Unfortunately, many have come to view church as a “safe” place to worship and fellowship, yet lack the courage to act and speak openly in the light of day.  However, we’re called to live boldly in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to our faith.  Ironically, it is likely our lack of impetus and preparation to be the hands and feet of Christ that have largely precipitated and fueled the attacks on Christianity that are occurring in our nation.

We’ve identified 4 types of Christian “voters” in this Presidential election.  Which one are you?

1.  Passive Christians

DON’T SPEAK OR ACT

Bill hardly misses a Sunday at church.  He volunteers as a greeter one weekend a month, gives regularly and hosted a small group last year.  By all accounts, Bill’s an active church member.  Considering how busy he is with career and young kids, he does his fair share.  There’s not much time left in his schedule for charity work, nor is that something Bill thinks much about – and it’s not a big emphasis at his church.  However, his pastor does mention inviting people to church pretty frequently and Bill loves his church, so he’s done that a few times.  When it comes to evangelism, that’s about as far as Bill typically goes.  He doesn’t feel comfortable sharing his faith and rarely broaches the topic of “religion” with coworkers or friends.

2.  Pensive Christians

SPEAK BUT DON’T ACT

Rusty is concerned about where America is headed.  Unlike Bill, Rusty is not afraid to talk about religion or politics.  As a Christian since the early 1980s he’s watched the country go downhill, increasingly upset as our moral foundation crumbles under the weight of every secular, liberal court decision.  Rusty’s church recently held a ministry fair inviting members to express interest in local causes like hunger relief, the homeless or foster care.  However, what caught Rusty’s eye was the Christian conservative radio ministry asking for support to continue fighting for the values that made our nation great.  Rusty signs up and notices that over 150 others had done so as well, whereas none of the other compassion ministries had more than 20 on their lists.

3.  Private Christians

ACT BUT DON’T SPEAK

Stephanie is one of the nicest, most compassionate people at her church.  She’s always there for anyone who’s going through a tough time – a family at church, a friend or even someone she barely knows.  In fact, Stephanie is so caring that she would never want to offend anyone.  If she’s sure that person is a Christian, she’ll talk about her faith and offer to pray for them.  Otherwise, she keeps her personal beliefs to herself because they’re just that – personal.  Her husband, Jeff, is just as kind-hearted, frequently donating money to local charities, but equally reluctant to impose his ideals on others.

4.  Powerful Christians

ACT AND THEN SPEAK

Unlike Bill, Rusty, Stephanie and Jeff, Tamara isn’t passive, pensive or private – she’s both personable and public.  She’s a disciple, following Jesus’ model of meeting felt needs to open the door to sharing who He is.  Tamara never misses an opportunity to do both, seeing wherever she happens to be at the time as her designated mission field.  She understands she IS the church between Sundays.  Tamara is deeply concerned not only with each person’s welfare in this life but also their assurance of eternal life.  She knows the Great Commission doesn’t stop at a single good deed or the planting of a “seed” – it’s about investing in longer-term relationships.

Powerful Christians are a rare breed these days, not often sighted in churches that:

• cater to members, hesitant to challenge them with the reality of what it truly means to live out the Great Commission
• emphasize serving inside the church continually but offer few chances to reach out to the poor and lost in the community
• focus more on building an institution than building disciples that “take ground” outside the four walls

Joining a church alone doesn’t make someone a Powerful Christian any more than simply joining a gym makes someone a powerful weightlifter.  Both require hard work and endurance.  Only intensive and extended training will dramatically change their lives.  That’s why a large or growing church isn’t necessarily a healthy church.  Showing up, serving and giving doesn’t mean a churchgoer will make a difference for Christ between Sundays.  Active church members are not necessarily disciples.  Disciples would never stop at being passive, pensive or private.  Disciples are healthy, impactful, forever changed – in other words, powerful.

Cast a Vote for Christ Today!

How much longer can most Christians remain passive, pensive or private?  The road is about to become much more rocky for followers of Jesus Christ.  Only Powerful Christians will be ready for what’s coming next.  We must be willing to take a stand.

YOU CAN MAKE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE.  CAST A VOTE THAT WILL LAST FAR LONGER THAN THE NEXT 4 YEARS.  BY ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 8^th…

• Perform a simple act of service for someone you know or a perfect stranger in the name of Jesus.
• Share your story on your Facebook or Twitter page with the hashtag #CastAnEternalVote.
• Challenge 3 of your friends on Facebook or Twitter to “pay it forward”.