Dear Boys,
Yesterday morning on our way to Nana’s we had a stop to make. As we pulled into the parking lot you both grew excited. We were at the firebarn. Where were the firetrucks?
We weren’t there to look at the firetrucks or to learn about fire safety. We were there so you could see American rights in action.
Why were we at the firebarn?
It is quite simple. We were there to exercise a freedom that many don’t have and that others don’t care about. We were there to vote.
Dear Boys, Voting is not only your right, it is your responsibility.
Why I'm teaching my boys that voting is their responsibility as a Christian... Click To Tweet
I have taken you on several election day dates, and this is the biggest thing I want to teach you about this voting right: Voting is not only your right, dear boys, it is your responsibility as a Christian.
As Christians we are told to:
*be subject to our governing authorities- unless they go against God’s commands {Romans 13:1-7, Acts 5:27-29}
*pray for those over us { 1 Timothy 2:1-4}
*honor those in authority {1 Peter 2:13-17}
and
*pay taxes {Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:19-26}
So why is voting also your responsibility? Because those in office are shaping the future of our country. What our leaders today choose to do can and will affect your children.
In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul tells us to stand against evil and in several places we are told to protect the widowed, the poor, orphans, the fatherless and those who are too weak to stand themselves (Psalm 82:3-4, Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:16-17, Zechariah 7:9-10 and many other places) both of which you can do by casting a vote on election day.
As Christians we are to shine in the darkness, we are to show Christ’s love and we also need to show an interest in our government and use the rights we have as Americans to point our country in the direction it needs to go.
So, dear boys, I pray that as you grow older, as you see your father and I voting or values and beliefs, you will understand that not only is voting a right and a privilege, it is also a responsibility.
♥♥♥♥With love,
Momma
Love this! It’s all so very true and I think a lot of people forget the biblical stance!
Thanks Kate!
Great to start teaching this young! 😉
I think, as with most other things, the younger you start teaching your child about civic responsibility and patriotism the better. 🙂
Yes, I’m glad you added in the scripture to back it up. Glad you did the responsible thing. 🙂
Scripture has answers for all life’s problems. 🙂 I always try to find something to back up my reasoning.
Great post! It is truly a responsibility. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for coming by, Dara!
LOVE! I was always raised to know how important participating in our government is. 🙂 Great job teaching your kids how vital this is
Thanks Stefanie! I see way to many young people today who don’t care about civic responsibility and I don’t want my boys to be apathetic like them.
Yes! Teach them to vote. In this crazy, backwards world, we need to be raising good citizens. An excellent post.
I took my girl with me when I voted this time. Of course I doubt she got much from it seeing as she’s only two, although she was extremely well behaved as she waited for me and made me very proud. The poll workers gave her an “I voted” sticker. 🙂 I hope I do well in teaching her about her civic responsibilities.
Good job Momma!
The stickers are my boys’ favorite part right now. Hopefully in a cope years they will start asking questions.
It is such a good idea to lead by example. Unfortunately that may be the minority anymore. I have made it a point for the 16 years of my oldest son’s llife to take him with me to vote. This year he and his four brothers went.
Awesome Michelle! I’m sure your sons will take pride in their rights and do the responsible thing when thy are old enough.
It’s an important thing to teach our children. I feel bad because I missed this election. We moved and I totally forgot to register in our new town. My husband voted though, so at least someone in our family did 🙂 I won’t be missing the next election!
Great values to start teaching the kids!
I believe that as a society we have shifted our focus from responsibility to self actualization not realizing you cannot have the later without the former. Thanks for highlighting the call one’s civic duty.
Such a beautiful letter. Voting is so important. I voted and am pretty happy with the results of the election!
It is a great thing to teach our children and share – voting gives us a voice. It’s a privilege and a responsibility!
I very much agree! My mother has never voted as long as I’ve known her (my whole life, lol!), and I just don’t understand it! Sure, it’s only one vote, but we can’t all say that! And she has good strong values, so I can;t make heads or tails of her decision. I’ve voted every single year since I turned 18, thanks to my Dad’s good influence!