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Because we are part of a society that is founded on the idea of Freedom of Religion, our government needs to be respectful of everyone's faith or moral and ethical philosophy.  In a country with Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Scientologists, agnostics, atheists, and people who embrace dozens of other belief systems, that takes thought and a willingness to compromise.  Even among Christians there are differing ideas about how to express faith in every day America. 

When it comes to elections, most Christians, including Lutherans, believe that good citizenship is an important way to show your faith and concern for those around you.  It would be unusual to find a candidate with whom you agree on all  issues, so it takes some thought to decide which issues are most important, study what each candidate stands for and finally decide who best can represent you. Voting is our most important civic responsibility, because it is the  best way for individuals to have an effect on the way things are done locally, in our states, and in the country.

Martin Luther and other Lutheran theologians have talked about the idea of "Two Governments."  Basically that means we are responsible to government and society for following their rules (and accepting the consequences when we don't).  God will judge us not by how well we followed the laws of earth, but rather if we have accepted the grace of God and carry faith in our hearts.   Luther wrote "The laws of  worldly government extend no farther than to life and property and what is external upon the earth.  For over the soul God can and will not let anyone rule but but Himself." 

In the United States  we believe that laws and policies should allow people to express their individual faith, but public policy decisions should not be used to enforce a specific faith on individuals. Majority rule shouldn't mean that the majority can do whatever they want!  A fundamental belief of our nation is not winning or losing, but sharing.

 Even if your candidate for an office loses, you must respect the person who won the election.  The person who wins must try to respect the views of those who didn't vote for him/her and consider them when making decisions.  That can be tricky business! We probably all have friends with whom we disagree sometimes, and if we value our friends we find a way to work things out so that we can remain friends.  That is true for government, too.  It is important  our elected officials listen to each other and find ways to compromise. 

Government should help us all get along here on earth, despite our differences. When you are old enough to vote, think carefully about the people who ask for your vote ... and then be sure to vote!!