In his letter to Timothy  (II Timothy 3:1),  Paul warned that in the last days, perilous times would come.  He went on to describe in some detail the various characteristics of this coming age.   Self interest, pride, rebellion, resistence to authority, among other things,  would all color the time Paul anticipated to come.  Even the most casual observer of the news would have to admit that we seem to have reached the time Paul envisioned.    As Christians, we must consider carefully what our role is to be in these difficult times.   While we want to make our voice heard in the public discourse, we also must remember that in every thing we do and say we represent Christ.  I would encourage everyone to enthusiastically exercise their right to voice opinions about the state of our nation and government, yet to do so in such a way that reminds others that we believe there is a God in control of all things.  The scripture makes clear that we are to pray for those that exercise rule over us.  (Even if you or I didn’t vote for them!)  I often tell my two sons that there is only one clear benefit I have found to growing older….”you have seen it all before”.  Those who have lived long enough;  know that most of the things that trouble us today we have witnessed before.    While we should vote our conscious and voice our views in a civil and determined manner, we must also always remember that at the end of the day…..GOD IS SOVERIGN.   Everything is under His control.   This is the very essence of faith.