The Bible Speaks - Who You Elect Matters

[00:00:37] [SPEAKER_00]: The Bible Speaks

[00:00:38] [SPEAKER_00]: Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host, Elgin Carelock.

[00:00:42] [SPEAKER_00]: The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly

[00:00:49] [SPEAKER_00]: dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.

[00:00:55] [SPEAKER_00]: You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.

[00:01:00] [SPEAKER_00]: And now, here's Elgin.

[00:01:02] [SPEAKER_01]: Brothers and sisters, I welcome you, whoever you are, wherever you are, and whenever you

[00:01:09] [SPEAKER_01]: are listening to another edition of The Bible Speaks.

[00:01:14] [SPEAKER_01]: And today, Sister Judy and I are going to speak on a topic that resonates deeply in

[00:01:22] [SPEAKER_01]: our current social and political climate.

[00:01:25] [SPEAKER_01]: Our topic is Who You Elect Matters.

[00:01:31] [SPEAKER_01]: And we will be drawing inspiration from the Book of Amos to discuss the critical importance

[00:01:37] [SPEAKER_01]: of electing leaders who embody values of justice, morality, and a genuine concern for the welfare

[00:01:45] [SPEAKER_01]: of all citizens.

[00:01:48] [SPEAKER_01]: The Book of Amos, though written over 2700 years ago, speaks powerfully to the issues

[00:01:54] [SPEAKER_01]: we face today.

[00:01:56] [SPEAKER_01]: Amos was a prophet sent by God to the northern kingdom of Israel during the time of great

[00:02:02] [SPEAKER_01]: prosperity.

[00:02:04] [SPEAKER_01]: But beneath the surface of wealth and power, there was a deep moral decay, social injustice,

[00:02:11] [SPEAKER_01]: and religious hypocrisy.

[00:02:14] [SPEAKER_01]: The leaders of Israel were corrupt, the wealthy were exploiting the poor, and the

[00:02:20] [SPEAKER_01]: courts were perverted by bribery and greed.

[00:02:23] [SPEAKER_01]: Amos' message was one of impending judgment, a warning that God would not tolerate such

[00:02:30] [SPEAKER_01]: injustice and unrighteousness.

[00:02:32] [SPEAKER_01]: He called the people to repentance and reminded them that true worship of God must be accomplished

[00:02:39] [SPEAKER_01]: by a commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of all members of society.

[00:02:46] [SPEAKER_01]: As we reflect on the message of Amos, we find that it holds a mirror up to our own society.

[00:02:55] [SPEAKER_01]: The leaders we elect have a profound impact on the moral and social fabric of our communities.

[00:03:02] [SPEAKER_01]: Their decisions, policies, and actions can either promote justice and equality or

[00:03:09] [SPEAKER_01]: perpetuate inequality and corruption.

[00:03:12] [SPEAKER_01]: That's why who we elect matters so much.

[00:03:16] [SPEAKER_00]: Good morning everyone.

[00:03:19] [SPEAKER_00]: One of the central themes of the book of Amos is justice.

[00:03:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Amos 524 in the new international version is a well-known verse that encapsulates this theme.

[00:03:34] [SPEAKER_00]: But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.

[00:03:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Justice is not just a legal principle.

[00:03:46] [SPEAKER_00]: It's a divine mandate.

[00:03:48] [SPEAKER_00]: It's about ensuring that everyone regardless of their status or background is treated fairly and with dignity.

[00:03:57] [SPEAKER_00]: In the time of Amos, the leaders of Israel had abandoned justice.

[00:04:03] [SPEAKER_00]: Rich and powerful were exploiting the poor and the courts were corrupt, favoring those who could pay the highest bribes.

[00:04:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Today the need for justice is justice critical.

[00:04:16] [SPEAKER_00]: When we elect leaders, we must consider their commitment to justice.

[00:04:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Do they advocate for policies that protect the vulnerable and uphold the rights of all citizens?

[00:04:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Do they have a track record of standing up against corruption and ensuring that the law is applied fairly?

[00:04:35] [SPEAKER_00]: These are questions we should be asking when we go to the polls.

[00:04:40] [SPEAKER_00]: The leaders we choose should reflect our deepest values, values that align with God's heart for justice.

[00:04:48] [SPEAKER_00]: When justice is upheld society flourishes.

[00:04:51] [SPEAKER_00]: But when it is neglected as it was in the time of Amos, the consequences are dire.

[00:05:00] [SPEAKER_01]: Amos also highlights the importance of morality and leadership.

[00:05:05] [SPEAKER_01]: In Amos 2 verses 6 through 7, reading from the NIV, we read,

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_01]: For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent.

[00:05:18] [SPEAKER_01]: They sell the innocent for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.

[00:05:23] [SPEAKER_01]: They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.

[00:05:31] [SPEAKER_01]: The leaders of Israel are not only unjust but also morally bankrupt.

[00:05:36] [SPEAKER_01]: They engaged in practices that were not only unethical but also deeply offensive to God.

[00:05:45] [SPEAKER_01]: Their actions showed a complete disregard for the sanctity of life and the dignity of others.

[00:05:53] [SPEAKER_01]: Morality and leadership is about more than just personal ethics.

[00:05:57] [SPEAKER_01]: It's about leading with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it's difficult.

[00:06:05] [SPEAKER_01]: The moral character of our leaders influences their decisions, their policies, and ultimately the direction of our society.

[00:06:14] [SPEAKER_01]: As voters, we must look beyond promises and rhetoric and examine the character of those who seek to lead us.

[00:06:24] [SPEAKER_01]: Are they people of integrity?

[00:06:26] [SPEAKER_01]: Do they demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles in their personal and public lives?

[00:06:32] [SPEAKER_01]: A leader's moral compass will inevitably influence their leadership.

[00:06:37] [SPEAKER_01]: And that's why it's so important to elect leaders who are not only capable but also morally sound.

[00:06:45] [SPEAKER_00]: Amos was deeply concerned with the welfare of all citizens, especially the poor and marginalized.

[00:06:53] [SPEAKER_00]: In Amos 4-1, the NIV, he condemns those who oppress the poor and crush the needy.

[00:07:03] [SPEAKER_00]: The leaders and wealthy citizens of Israel were living in luxury while ignoring the suffering of the less fortunate.

[00:07:11] [SPEAKER_00]: A key responsibility of leadership is to ensure the welfare of all citizens, not just a privileged few.

[00:07:20] [SPEAKER_00]: This means creating policies that address poverty, inequity, and social injustice.

[00:07:28] [SPEAKER_00]: It means ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, education, and housing.

[00:07:38] [SPEAKER_00]: When we elect leaders, we must consider their commitment to the common good.

[00:07:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Are they focused on the well-being of all citizens? Or are they only serving the interests of the powerful and wealthy?

[00:07:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Do they have a plan to address the systemic issues that perpetrate poverty and inequity?

[00:07:58] [SPEAKER_00]: Leaders who prioritize the welfare of all people help create a more just and compassionate society.

[00:08:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Amos reminds us that a society that neglects its most vulnerable members is a society on the brink of collapse.

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_00]: But when leaders work to uplift and support all citizens, they build a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.

[00:08:25] [SPEAKER_01]: Brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the teachings of Amos, it becomes clear that who we elect matters profoundly.

[00:08:33] [SPEAKER_01]: The leaders we choose will shape the moral and social landscape of our communities and our nation.

[00:08:41] [SPEAKER_01]: They will either promote justice, uphold morality, and care for the welfare of all citizens,

[00:08:48] [SPEAKER_01]: or they will lead us down a path of corruption, inequality, and division.

[00:08:55] [SPEAKER_01]: Our responsibility as voters is not just to cast a ballot, but to do so with discernment and wisdom.

[00:09:03] [SPEAKER_01]: We must seek out leaders who reflect the values that God holds dear.

[00:09:08] [SPEAKER_01]: Justice, righteousness, and compassion.

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_01]: We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that they govern in a way that honors these values.

[00:09:19] [SPEAKER_01]: Amos's message is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel.

[00:09:25] [SPEAKER_01]: It's a call to choose leaders who will lead with integrity, uphold justice, and work for the common good.

[00:09:34] [SPEAKER_01]: It is a reminder that our choices matter and that the leaders we elect have the power to bring about either blessing or judgment on our society.

[00:09:44] [SPEAKER_01]: I thank you for spending time with us on today and I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.

[00:09:52] [SPEAKER_01]: Until then, God bless.

[00:10:19] [SPEAKER_00]: You can find the Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.

[00:10:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Follow us on YouTube at the Bible Speaks online.

[00:10:33] [SPEAKER_00]: You may contact Elgin at PO Box 5582 or Calla, Florida 34478

[00:10:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Or by email at thebiblespeaksonlineatgmail.com