I want to talk to those of you who've chosen not to be involved in the political process this year. As Christians, it's easy to view the ungodly state of our country or the unsuited candidates we're offered and develop an "us-vs.-them mentality" as we retreat into our holy huddles and just wait for Jesus to return.

But Jesus loved whole nations, not just the individuals who lived in them. He told us in Matthew 28:19: "Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations."Nations, not souls. Most of the Old Testament prophets prophesied to nations or cities. Jesus came first to "the lost house of Israel" (Mt. 15:24)--for the nation. He wept for the city of Jerusalem (Lu. 13:34). And the prophet Haggai called Him "the desire of the nations" (2:7). Given these verses, doesn't it make sense that God is not only interested in you and me but in the state and country where we live as well?

Nehemiah recognized God's passion for the nations and saw himself as a collective part of the solution. He faced similar evil and compromising times as ours. But when he prayed, he didn't tell God how bad everyone else was. Instead, he identified with the ones he was part of. This godly man prayed: " . . . we have sinned against You. Both my father's house and I have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses" (Neh. 1:6-7). Nehemiah went on to organize the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem and to help turn the Israelites back to God.

If Nehemiah had observed the bad state of affairs and not identified with the problem, then he wouldn't have been part of God's solution. God called him--and us--to have a stake in the places where we live so that we have a reason to stay involved. Similar to doing what it takes to defend our family, which God loves, He has called us to defend our city, state, and nation, which God also loves.

So get out of your huddle and make a difference. Fight on your knees for the principles you stand for and the nation you love. Speak up. Vote. Help. Feed. Love. If we each do what Jesus would have done, we'll become part of the solution.