The Christian Vote
As our country once again enters the voting season, being an informed Christian voter is more important than ever. In our polarizing society of Democrat vs. Republican, it is vital that we as Christians have Christ and the Bible as our focus. The following are four critical aspects of voting as a Christian:
1. Christian decisions should be made with a heart of prayer
2. Christian decisions welcome the counsel of the godly.
3. Christian decisions should always reflect Biblical values.
4. Christian decisions should not be made hastily.
First, all Christian voting decisions should be made with a heart of prayer. Christians should be in a constant state of prayer. The Bible directs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (KJV). The mindset of earnest prayer is the first step to becoming an informed Christian voter. We must see God as a partner for God can see the danger and alert you to it. Never be so arrogant as to believe that you know what is best for your family, community, or country. Do not vote without meaningful earnest prayer.
Second, Christian voting decisions should welcome godly counsel. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (KJV). In society and in the church, we have been told that accepting counsel is only useful when it agrees with our preconceptions. However, this is not supported by Scripture. When we differ from our brothers and sisters in Christ, family, or friends this is an excellent learning opportunity. We must remember that God did not call us all to act the same, talk the same, or support the same candidate. He called us to further the cause of Christ. A great example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 3:4 “For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (KJV). As Christians, it is imperative that we are not afraid of debate or disagreement. Disagreement does not violate Biblical principles; Jesus overturned the money changers tables in the temple yet did not sin. However, bitterness, hatred, and resentment are sinful and violate Scriptures. As Christians, if we find ourselves full of vitriol and bitterness when discussing politics, we have lost our heart of prayer and need to refocus. If accepting the counsel of Godly individuals becomes difficult it will be nearly impossible to be a truly informed Christian voter.
Third, voting should reflect Biblical values. This does not mean every vote you cast will be for a Christian (although that would be ideal). As Christians, we must do our best to separate American values from Christian values. They are not always one and the same. For example, opposition or support for socialized healthcare is not a Biblical value. The Biblical value here is helping those in need. How this is accomplished is up for interpretation. On the other hand, being pro-life (against abortion) or pro-choice (for abortion) is not up for debate. The sanctity of life is a clear Biblical directive which is violated by a pro-choice position. Biblical values are preeminent and supersede cultural ideas.
Finally, informed Christians cannot make these decisions hastily. Elections are rarely quick and unscheduled; be prepared. You need to make sure you have set aside time for prayer and counsel. A vote is your word; make sure you use it well. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (KJV). It will take time for you to “hear” the whole matter. All these principles need to be applied before you cast your vote. If we do not apply these principles to our voting habits, we are not truly informed Christian voters.
