A Responsible Christian Vote

A Responsible Christian Vote
11-1-04

Many people will be bothered that I'm writing on this topic, saying Christians or Christian organizations should not discuss politics. However, in my reading of Scripture I find that God desires our faith - our Christianity - to invade ALL areas of our life. Our worship of God should not be something we simply add to our life, it ought to redefine our life. And if our life has truly been transformed through faith in Jesus Christ, then it will become very natural for us to take this transformed life wherever we go, into every thought we think, every word we write, and into any and all conversations.

The first point is that all Christians who have the opportunity should vote. Many Christians around the world can only dream about the opportunity to have a say in how their country is run and many have only had this freedom for a few short years. Many have given their lives to establish or defend this freedom. Those of us who have this privilege ought to be ashamed if we fail to exercise this great honor because we take no interest or feel inconvenienced by the few hours it may cost in our day. We are required to act on the gifts we have been given; "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48). Voting is a privilege which comes with responsibility. When given the opportunity, VOTE!

Now, as a Christian, what guidance do we have in exercising this freedom? No matter what issue or candidate position is up for vote, the guidance is the same. The decision of voting, along with every other decision in life, should be entered through prayer and made according to the values of Christ. If we have placed our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, we have been made (and continue to be made) into a new creation; "the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Part of this new creation is a change in the way we make decisions; "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). We should no longer make decisions according to a set of worldly values but according to the values of Christ.

Philippians 2:5
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

In making a decision on how to vote on a particular issue, we should consider how Christ would vote. And when voting for a person, we should vote based on who best reflects the decision making of Christ. This ought to be our ONLY guide. Admittedly, with some issues it's difficult to know how Christ would vote, but with many it's clear. For example, would Jesus approve laws which allow the killing of unborn children? Would He really promote laws which permit homosexual marriages?

If you can't answer these kind of questions then spend time in prayer and ask God to place His truth on your heart. Then armed with this truth, vote for the issues and people who best reflect the mind and attitude of Christ. This is our honor and our duty. This is how we can cast a responsible Christian vote.

Have A Great Day!