The recorded voicemail was friendly in tone:

"We have driven by the facilities of the church and noted that you guys have quite a few political signs. We just wanted to ask that they not be within 100 feet of the church on election day."

Upon returning the call to the Elections Office, I shared that we fully intend to remove all signage on Monday evening, November 1st. Yes, the day's first order of business reminded me of the unique role I fulfill as one who publicly proclaims God's Word.

I must once again contemplate the deeper meaning of these red-letter words: "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

This Sunday morning, I will share that privilege and responsibility with thousands of other preachers across California. We will step up to the pulpit and attempt to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Some will mention specific issues that should be of concern to voting Christians. Others will choose to totally omit any mention of the political process. Most will probably at least remind their hearers that they should exercise their civic responsibilities and vote on the following Tuesday.

Respecting the right of every person to vote in line with one's conscience, I am not surprised to see bumper stickers for candidates from both parties in our church parking lot. Rather than aligning oneself with partisan politics based on family tradition or union affiliation, I plead with Christians everywhere to pray for the Spirit's guidance and vote accordingly.

I am among those who know the letter of the law and am not all troubled by publicly affirming, from the pulpit or from the local paper, two controversial propositions which will appear upon the California ballot.

Proposition 4 provides a waiting period and parental notification before termination of a minor's pregnancy. As a preacher of the Scriptures, it is my responsibility to call Americans to repent of our national sin of abortion. The Lord abhors the shedding of innocent blood. God has also charged parents with responsibility for their children. This proposition helps to restore the importance of parental involvement in their children's lives.

Proposition 8 states that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

The issues relevant to these two propositions should be of foremost concern for those who are called to be lights in this world and to be the salt of the earth.

Yet, we will remove all signage from our property on the night before the election. Up until the last day, we will have at least done something to influence voters.

Last Sunday, a local teen told me of her friend who is gay. "Was she born that way?", she asked. My answer involved my own personal sins with which I am easily beset. I told her that it isn't unloving for someone to tell me when I am doing anything that will hurt me or someone else. "Love never fails."