WHY SHOULD I VOTE?
According to Dr. George Barna with the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, only 56% of Christian churches have encouraged their congregants to vote, and only 48% have provided them with written materials on Biblical perspectives related to key social issues. So if churches don’t seem to care, WHY SHOULD I VOTE?
1. It is our duty as citizens of the United States.
Bill Bright said, “Only when you cast your vote do you fulfill your Christian responsibility in government, where voting is so strategically important. If you fail to vote conscientiously for godly rule, evil will increase in our nation.”
Os Guinness puts it this way: “We are citizens of a Republic, and every citizen is responsible for the health and vitality of the Republic.” So, whether we are enthusiastic about our political candidates or disappointed with our choices, we should not shirk our duty as good citizens to vote.
The good influence of godly citizens causes a city (or state or nation) to prosper . . . (Proverbs 11:11)
2. God’s people should champion the principles of Scripture and our Constitution.
First Timothy 2:1-4 tells us how to pray for our government. First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
This passage tells us that God wants our government to operate so that we are not worried about threats and persecution and so that the government and its policies would promote freedom for Christians to live godly and holy lives. As you pray, make sure to vote and support leaders who most closely align with our biblical convictions and our Constitution. Edmond Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
3. Jesus calls us to be his ambassadors to represent him and his values.
As “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), Jesus intends us to be a preserving and purifying element in our city and nation. He also expects us to illuminate the dishonest and unethical practices and policies in every area of government.
We must acknowledge that we're not voting for perfect candidates. However, in this election, we have only two viable choices. Therefore, our task as Christians is to discern which candidate's policies align more closely with biblical principles and the common good. We should consider which candidate’s programs best protect the vulnerable, especially children, and which policies best support the ethical teachings of Jesus.
“At a time when biblical values are increasingly challenged, the role of the Christian voter is more important than ever. Let us rise to the occasion, engage with grace and conviction, and ensure that our faith shapes not only our personal lives but the future of our nation.” (Lauren Cooley, Executive Director of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church’s Institute for Faith & Culture)
We must approach this election with prayer, discernment, a commitment to biblical principles, and our vote!
