Hi davidt...
Like it or not, we are all involved in government. This nation is a government "of the people, for the people and by the people." Our government officials are simply fellow citizens chosen by fellow citizens to work in that capacity. This is vastly different to every form of government that preceded it. There is no "divine right of kings" in a government of consent.
That being said: Each of us are involved in government -- from paying taxes to a decision to not partake in certain government programs (like public schools). We drive on government built roads, apply for a rebate in our government 1040 forms, purchase things with government coins, keep our money in federally insured banks, etc... If we want to plant a tree, build an addition to the house or even put up a fence, we must petition our local government. If we want to own or ride a horse -- we must register that animal! In other words, the government of consent is a government by consent. Whether we vocally participate or not (by vote, voice or vocation), we are participating.
Yet this goes much deeper. These issues (abortion, gay marriage, etc...) are not mere political issues. They are matters of [u]righteousness[/u] (or, in this case, [i]unrighteousness[/i]). Regardless of the view of our own participation in the decisions made by our fellow citizens in this temporary country, the decision will be made by our fellow citizens in a temporary place that we live (Earth). In these instances, the dilemma is not regarding whether or not these things are right or wrong -- because that is already clear. The question is whether or not this government of consent into which God placed us should have the authority to legislate issues of righteousness.
Our participation (whether vote, voice or vocation) is an attempt to persuade neighbors (who are elected) to be aware that this government of consent should not legislate immorality.
Imagine, if you would, that your local pornography peddler (falsely called an "adult bookstore") decided to build a 100 foot sign in front of your house (with full view from your windows) of some nude woman in a provacative pose. The town already has a law against public displays of pornography, yet the porn peddler is claiming that it is "art." Would you say anything? Would you tell your mayor or city council (who might even be your neighbors) that this is wrong? Imagine other scenarios -- like a state forcing children to attend public schools and mandatory sex education, pro-homosexual, abortion or evolution classes. If you decide to let your voice be heard, then you are [u]partipating[/u] in the government process in a democratic republic. This is just on a more local scale than opposing those who want to use our consented tax dollars to pay for abortion or homosexual marriage. After all, a "vote" is merely you using your voice to say who you think would do a better job with your church, city, state, school board, or country.
Would Paul campaign? Probably not. But we know that John the Baptist preached against the "lawfulness" of Herod taking his brother's wife. The end result was John's head being served on a platter. Yet it is difficult to compare governments in the year 0 with governments in the year 2008. This nation is a nation led by friends, neighbors and fellow citizens in this temporary citizenship of whom rose to that office as the result of how we voted (...or did not vote). Candidates might be difficult to choose between -- so sometimes it is better to simply choose between issues supported by a candidate. In this last election, you had one candidate PROMISING to advance the causes of abortion, sex education for minors, gay marriage and other issues of unrighteousness. In my opinion, it was far too important for me, my wife, my future children, other believers, my neighbors and the other people in my temporary citizenship to NOT voice my opposition.
Should you vote? It is a matter of conscience. However, I feel the full liberty to do so -- even when some are so vocally opposed to it. I have prayed about it and studied the Word of God about this. I find nothing in the Word (or from prayer) that prohibits me from casting a vote...or sharing any other type of voice. Yet I notice that many of those who do often are the first to enjoy the benefits of government decisions (like cashing in their tax rebate checks). It is all a bit strange.
Paul invoked his citizenship as he used the Roman legal system to "appeal unto Caesar." He used Roman ships, Roman roads and eventually exerted influence into Caesar's household (Philippians 4:22). Everywhere he went, Paul preached about righteousness -- and the mind of Christ. This can be true of us. We don't have to build up a wall between our lives and the lives of this temporary citizenship to which we dwell. This is what the Amish do in an attempt to "not conform" to the world. However, in a way, they are conforming (Romans 12:2)...by hiding the light from the rest of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Why should we hide the light of God's truth from the daily things in this life?
[b]Matthew 5:14-16[/b] (King James Version) 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
:-)
*EDIT*
I was reminded today of the parable of the "persistent widow" (Luke 18:1-6) who constantly went to the "unjust judge."
