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Nail Your Colors to the Mast

Published on October 28, 2008

By John Grant
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Election day is only a couple of weeks away. In fact, in many areas early voting starts this coming week. There are many offices on the ballots ranging from the school house to the White House, but none more important and defining as the election contest for the office of President of the United States.

Perhaps never before in the history of this country has there been a more diverse choice of candidates representing such differences in political positions on international affairs, economic policy, social and family issues and a whole host of issues over which the President has vital control and power. Whichever candidate is elected, we in America will see great change in our country and in our daily lives. Each and every one of us will be touched and affected in some way by the outcome of this election.

Yet, what amazes me is the lackadaisical attitude most have to the election. There seems to be more interest in which team is going to win the World Series than in which candidate wins the presidency. With so much at stake how could anyone not be strongly on one side or the other?

As Christians we have a duty to be civically involved. The God who gave us live gave us also liberty and the responsibility to protect it. On issues, especially those dealing with the family and the free exercise of religion, we should take a Biblical position, drive a stake in the sand and fight for all we are worth to preserve those ideals and liberties throughout the land.

On the sea, ships fly the colors of their country and in times of battle, a lowering of the flag is a sign of submission and surrender. But, if surrender was not an option, the captain would order the colors nailed to the mast, incapable of being lowered, and fight to the bitter end.

In nailing your colors to the mast you are therefore proudly showing which side you represent, or the beliefs you hold, and demonstrating your intention never to surrender that position. It is time when we, as Christians, need to nail our colors to the mast and never waiver from Biblical principles.

I am tired of being told that by adhering to Biblical principles I am being politically incorrect. I am tired of being told, even by the courts of this land, that there is no place for either the Bible or prayer in school.

I am tired of being told that by being a Bible thumping Christian that I am some kind of backwoods idiot.

But, I am not too tired to fight and I am ready to nail my colors to the mast and go down fighting.

In 1941, Sir Winston Churchill visited Harrow School and said the following: “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
 
As Christians, we should do no less. May we vote and fight for what we believe in and never give in, no matter the might of our enemies.

 ( a thought on life from John  and Beverley Grant )

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2008/10/28/jg_nail-your-colors/