I have not done my civic duty.

A few years ago, about this time of year, I was the guest preacher at a church in Jacksboro, Texas. A member of the church had all the boys and girls come down front for the children’s sermon. He showed them some leaves of different colors and asked them what season comes between summer and winter.

One little boy said, “I know! Huntin’ season!”

So, here we are in the brief season between summer and winter. Maybe it’s “fall.”  Maybe it’s “autumn.” Maybe it’s “huntin’ season.”  For some, it’s “votin’ season.”

In case anyone in my hometown of Azle, Texas has missed it, there’s something going on in the community that has garnered some extra interest for “votin’ season” this year.

I just want everyone to know that I have not done my civic duty.

Now, just so you don’t think I’m uninterested in the issues at hand, please note that I did not say that I haven’t voted. I have, in fact, voted early and am incredibly grateful for that opportunity. There was precisely no one in line in front of me at the time I chose to go and cast my ballot.

There’s even Facebook evidence that I at least showed up at the place where I could get an “I voted” sticker.  I put it on my shirt, took a selfie, and posted it with one word: “Done.”

Anyone who has read my posts over the past 8 years knows that I have an overactive ponder-er. My pondering over ordinary, everyday circumstances sometimes leads me to some previously unconsidered conclusions.

I was actually in mid-selfie post when my pondering took over.  I had begun to type, “I have done my civic duty” when a thought hit me and I changed it simply to “done.”

Here’s the thought: voting is not a duty in a democracy.  I am under no obligation whatsoever to vote. I violate no laws if I choose to abstain. I am no less a citizen if I abstain.

And, no, I don’t lose the right to complain if I don’t vote. That’s not a law either.

So, if it’s not my civic duty, what is it?  It’s a right and privilege of citizenship. It’s a way of participating in a process that allows my one vote to be considered along with every other vote that is cast. It is one thing I can choose to do on the same level playing field as every other citizen.

So, do I have a civic duty?  Absolutely!  My civic duty is to be the kind of citizen that contributes to making my community the kind of place I want to live. It is to be the kind of person that brings a sense of joy, encouragement, and hopefulness. The kind of person who is known more by what he stands for than by what he’s offended by.

There are no laws that say I have to do those things. So, why do I consider them my civic duty?  Because I’m first and foremost a citizen of a higher kingdom—a kingdom that will never end, with a King to whom all other rulers will eventually bow.

(Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father).

When we truly realize how much our lives matter to Him, we will want to be the kingdom citizens that He desires. I have not done my civic duty completely because I’m not done yet.

Be amazing today, my friend.