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This coming Tuesday, November 6, marks a significant day in the history of our nation, our state, and this community. It is another moment in history in which we are afforded the opportunity to communicate our voice. And, as God’s people, we are charged to communicate His values known to us through His unchanging Word. We will do this not through some grand marketing scheme, but rather by simply marking a circle in the ballot box. As a part of this year’s election cycle, we are given the opportunity to vote upon a myriad of state and local offices, along with the inclusion of four amendments to our state constitution. While faith should never serve politics, the unquestioned mandate of Scripture is that every facet of the believer’s life, including politics, must be governed by the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33; Romans 13:1-7). Understanding the opportunity which lies before us, we should consider three biblical principles that inform our voting.
1. Christians must vote.
The national average for voter participation in a midterm election is 40 percent. Assuming these statistics would also represent believers, relatively very few of those claiming to follow Jesus Christ consider it worthwhile to be a voice for the gospel at the ballot box. While I fully understand and empathize with the general frustration with an election system that is too often tainted by greed and injustice, this is not a legitimate excuse to abdicate God’s demand to speak His truth into our culture. Paul instructs believers in Romans 13 that all ruling authorities are ultimately established by God, and therefore accountable to Him. Since our government is comprised of elected officials chosen by our nation’s citizens, the responsibility and authority of government falls upon each eligible voter. While the moral decline of our nation is to certainly be expected in a world that opposes the rule of Christ, believers are charged by God to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) until the return of Christ. The Christian’s vote is his due responsibility toward God-honoring government.
2. Christians must vote responsibly.
Just as God instructed Moses to appoint “able” judges for the people (Exodus 18:21), so we must be diligent to understand the various positions of each candidate. Likewise, we must be properly informed regarding every matter on the ballot. On Tuesday, one amendment to be voted upon is in regard to religious freedom. Another amendment on the ballot proposes that the State of Alabama Constitution “recognizes and supports the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children…and does not protect the right of abortion or require the funding of abortion.” The legalization of abortion is the scourge of this generation. Yet, while Christians would agree, I wonder how many are aware that a simple vote this week will promote truth and justice regarding this matter. Just like Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:24), we will be held responsible for how we did, or did not, vote (Hebrews 4:13).
3. Christians must vote responsibly, as directed by God’s Word.
While there may exist a myriad of issues about which Christians can reasonably disagree, there are matters of utmost importance about which the Bible clearly instructs. We should always advocate for the sanctity of life and the protections of religious liberty. In like manner, we should stand against blatant injustice against the poor. Any government funded lottery represents a brazen exploitation of the most economically vulnerable among us, with the impossible dream of providing instant riches and economic increase. Scriptural warning against such legislation is clear (Psalm 62:10; Proverbs 13:11; 14:31; 22:22; 28:19-20; Jeremiah 22:3). One’s vote for a particular candidate is an explicit consent for that candidate’s platform.
Unfortunately, research proves that most voters, including Christians, do not vote for a candidate based upon their moral platform. The single most important issue for most is the belief that any particular candidate will better the economy. However, we will give an account for every dollar spent, every moment used, every word spoken, and every vote cast. May our convictions lead us to live our lives justly and mercifully, not just comfortably. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
See you at the polls,
Jason