Voting is a privilege, a right and a responsibility. Regardless of your personal opinion of the candidates in question, or your feelings as to the significance of your vote, please consider this: The success of our democratic (republic) form of government as established by our forefathers through years of bloody sacrifice and finalized through our Constitution is now on the line.

That timeworn truism that history repeats itself is not only a truism, it is reality. Our founders knew this and thus formed the Constitution in order that future generations may benefit and prosper without fear of oppression.

Since the beginning of time, religious freedom, along with personal freedom, remains one of the underlying reasons for wars and government upheavals. The only change from then until now are the dates.

The protection of these freedoms, which we have come to take for granted, is squarely on the line. In the absence of accountability, that void will be filled by an authoritarian despot of one form or another, be it socialism, Marxism, or any one of a variety of dictatorships.

The absence of your vote tells any elected official, “What’s the difference, anyway?” “Do it your way while nobody is looking.”

It is imperative that our entire Christian community come to realize the grave threats to our freedoms that are presented under any form of radical secularism. It therefore becomes a matter of absolute Christian conscience to make our voice heard. No government, nor government official, has the right to force you or me to violate our religious beliefs.

With regard to our religious and personal freedoms, a line has been drawn in the sand.

At last count, only one-third of all acknowledged Christians are registered to vote or have chosen not to vote. I pray that all Christians will make it their business to pray for those who have thus far declined to carry out this God-given opportunity to step up and be counted.

Our Lord has blessed us with these freedoms, and it is my belief that we are to be held accountable for these gifts: “To he that much is given, much is expected.”

While we are justly obligated to subject ourselves to our government’s duly formed laws, it is likewise even more so that we be held accountable to subject ourselves to God’s natural law. Surrendering to God’s will is the truest evidence of faith and trust. From one Christian to another, let’s all get off our bottoms and make our voice heard.