He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” (Matt.13:33).

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matt.5:13-16)

In both of the above scriptures, Jesus spoke about the influence of believers on the world. If we are to make disciples of all nations, we must not only share the gospel with the lost but we must influence culture and nations as well. The enemy has had dominion over culture and nations since the Garden but Jesus commanded his church to take back those things so that the values of heaven are lived out the earth. Even our prayers should reflect that mission. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Unfortunately, too many Christians have interpreted that statement from the Lord’s Prayer to mean that once Jesus returns to establish his kingdom on earth, then and only then will God’s will be done on earth. But the Great Commission which commands us to make disciples of nations establishes a mandate to effect cultures and territories before his return. Until he returns to personally sit on the throne we are to be expanding the kingdom not only in individual hearts but also as salt, light, and leaven we are to be making our influence felt whenever and wherever we can support and promote righteousness. With mid-term elections just a few weeks away, we have an opportunity to be God’s salt, light, and leaven in America. To withdraw from political involvement because it is “too worldly” is to abdicate our responsibility to be an influence for good is this world.

We all know that morality and spirituality cannot be legislated and faith cannot and should not be forced on others by law or coercion. Yet God’s intention for government is that governments should promote good and restrain evil while the gospel is having its way with the hearts of men. Governments should be “under God” and see themselves as instruments of his purposes. As these mid-terms approach, I hope that every believer will choose to vote as a representative of the kingdom of God who is representing God on the earth by being, slat, light, and leaven in America and in her voting booths.

I do not presume to choose candidates for people but every believer should know what is at stake in an election and vote for those whose values and platforms are most closely aligned with the values and goals of heaven. I’m not saying that we only vote when platforms are perfectly aligned but we must support the candidate or the party that is closest to those values. Prayer is always essential and is also a powerful way of influencing our culture and nature. Since I don’t always know the heart of a man or a woman, may I suggest a prayer as we approach these final two weeks of campaigning?

            Father in heaven, I ask that you continue to have mercy on this nation. We have strayed and we have often sinned against you. But Father, I ask you to remember the faithful in this nation now and the faithful of this nation who have served you in centuries and decades past. I pray that you restore faith in this nation and exalt your name and the name of Jesus once again in America. Lord I simply ask that you remove every leader who has no regard for you or your commands. I ask that you remove everyone from authority who has no fear of you and no love for you. I ask that you remove all favor from those who are enemies of the cross and that you totally confuse the counsel of those who oppose you and your church.

            And Lord I ask that you raise up courageous men and women of faith who regard you and love your name and who will not fear man but only you. Lord give them favor even among their opponents and undeniable wisdom in their words. I pray that you will put your people in high places of leadership and authority so that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven in this nation. And Father, may your Spirit lead me as I step into the voting booth or have conversations with friends about America. Lord you said that righteousness exalts a nation so by your Spirit and by your mercy will you make America a righteous nation again. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen