Why Super Tuesday is Super Important

from the January 29, 2008 eNews issue

Super Tuesday is less than a week away and the race for the Presidency is growing more intense with each passing day. This year 24 states have moved their primaries to February 5th, making it the largest Super Tuesday ever and prompting some commentators to label it "Tsunami Tuesday". No matter what you call it, next Tuesday will be a major turning point in this year's Presidential election, as about half of the delegates will be awarded in the course of just one day.

Traditionally, many Americans have skipped the preliminaries and waited until November to weigh in with their vote. Voter turnout for primary elections is typically low. However the party primaries are just as important as the final vote in November. One could argue that the primaries are even more important than November's election, since the results of the primary dramatically narrow the field of contenders. When the dust clears and all the primary votes have been counted, the American people will essentially be left with just two candidates. Those two candidates will most likely be polar opposites, leaving many voters feeling like they don't really have much of a choice at all. That's why the primaries are so crucial.

In America we enjoy a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." Our votes determine our leadership, and ultimately, our destiny. Yet the responsibility and privilege of voting is one which many American's take for granted. Ask almost anyone, "What is the biggest problem in America? Is it ignorance or is it apathy?" They are likely to answer, "I don't know and I don't care!"

You and I will be held accountable for our stewardship of this nation. In part because it has come to us at such a high price, but also because as Christians we have been called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." The Bible makes is clear that we are to stand up for what is right. The Bible also teaches the importance of personal responsibility. Unfortunately, many Christians do not take their democratic responsibilities seriously. Statistics show that only about 1 out of every 4 evangelical Christians actually vote.

In addition to taking part in the democratic process, it is important that we spend time in prayer for our nation and its leaders. The Apostle Paul wrote: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:1-2)." It is up to us to hold our elected representatives accountable, and to hold them up in prayer.