What roles can believers play in the coming general
elections?
Malaysia
braces itself for the general elections in just a few more days in what is seen
by many as the most keenly contested battle so far between the ruling party and
the opposition.
Election fever confronts us at every turn: Flags, banners,
buntings, posters, billboards and ceramahs
(political talks where candidates share their agenda and manifesto).
If
the new media (the Internet) has played a significant role in the last general
election, it will play an even more crucial role in this coming elections,
which is the 13th time the nation’s destiny is being decided by the
people.
Times
have changed. The influence the alternative media wields over the hearts and
minds of the populace cannot be underestimated. Both sides of the political
divide have their own cybertroopers to persuade netizens to vote for
them. Substantial swathes of highly engaged new voters – belonging to the internet savvy,
younger generation – have the potential to swing the results of the election.
As
Christians, we have to play our part. Our social responsibility is to go out to
vote in full force – according to the dictates of your conscience. Some have
volunteered themselves as polling and counting agents to ensure that the elections
will be free and fair. We can also play our part by sharing our views on the social
media platform in a responsible and rational manner.
Above
all, we should pray that there will be peace and harmony just before, during and
after polling day – that the plans and efforts of destructive elements will be foiled
and the law enforcers will be able to maintain order. Let us also pray that the
nation will see a fair, clean, just and competent government at the helm for the next five years.
While
both sides are trying to outdo one another in promoting their agenda and
manifesto, we need to realise that there is another factor coming into play: Our sovereign God. He is watching from above and listening to our prayers. He is
hearkening to the cries of His people even though, at times, He may seem
distant.
“The
horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD”
(Proverbs
21:31).
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust
in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
“His pleasure is not in the strength of
the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him, who
put their hope in his unfailing love”
(Psalm
147:10-11).
Let’s
remember we are putting our trust in the almighty God who is sovereign, the One
who holds the fate of the nations in His hands. “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are
regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine
dust” (Isaiah 40:15).
He
is the unseen hand at work in the affairs of men. We just need to play our
part. And He who watches over Malaysia, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, will
do the rest.
“The
horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31).
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