“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Whether it’s for a Presidential Election, or other opportunities for us as Americans to vote, what does that mean for a Christian? Should that person vote or not, and why?
The Word says that there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1-7). Meaning that God has appointed every person who has been voted into office in the past, will do the same in the present, and will continue to do so as we move into the future. If God could be shocked by the outcome of an election (whoops, didn’t see that one coming), then what would that say about God? Of course He knows who will be in office, He is the one who puts that person there.
So if God knows who will already be in office, is there even a reason to vote then? Likewise, if He is the Creator and knows all things including who will ultimately be in heaven and hell, should we share the Gospel then?
What we really should be asking is that how could we not share the Gospel or how could we not vote. Being that Christ died for our past, present, and future sins and that we can have a relationship with Him for all eternity, how could we not then turn around and tell others about this amazing grace? Out of a joyful obedience from the Cross, the Holy Spirit leads us to share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
God has appointed our days here on earth, what nation we live in (including what freedoms we have) and the time period we live in. For Christians who are Americans, we have the opportunity and freedom to vote. For all of our actions, while we will not be condemned (if we are in Christ), we will be held accountable for our actions including why or why not we chose to vote when we could have.
I think at times if we could go to other countries who don’t have the same freedoms as America, we would realize what we have and not take it for granted. I’d like to encourage everyone to vote when they have the opportunity whether it’s in a Presidential Election or elsewhere. Including the fact to do the research and understand what you are voting for and why.
For the fact that God has placed you in a position to be able to vote for candidates you feel are the right ones to take office (according to the Bible), there is no reason not to vote. If you don’t like any option, prayerfully consider taking your only opportunity to choose one candidate and trust that God will be glorified and do the work through that candidate.
Most importantly, we can find encouragement in that whoever is in office, God has appointed that leader and will accomplish His will. We can pray for our leaders and nation including all other nations as well (1 Timothy 2:1-2). There is a great resource over at www.presidentialprayerteam.com with many options on how you can pray for our leaders of America.
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:13-17
Question: Are you choosing to vote this year? Tell us about it below. You can also see more Scripture on Politics by clicking here.
Here are other Frequently Asked Questions and how the Bible answers them.
Man that was SOME robust dialogue.
Mike, I have to tell you that I take some beef with your post. But I will put in two disclaimers – one, you’ve written with far more grace than many have on this topic; two, my philosophy this time out is that your personal conviction is the right choice and I won’t judge anyone for who they vote for – or for not voting (unless they are in a “battleground state” and they vote 3rd party, but I digress). Your post states that: “For the fact that God has placed you in a position to be able to votefor… Read more »
ryanbrymer so, that begs the question then, are you going to vote? And if so, would you be so kind as to explain why.
danieldehart the day is young. Mr. Mobley may still be able to convince me to change my mind.
ryanbrymer so, if he has to convince you, that means that your stance right now is that you will NOT be voting?
danieldehart all I stated is that my mind is made up. Maybe I’m going to vote and a mis-step by sir Michael could turn me the other way. There’s really a lot riding on his response (not really Mike, don’t freak out, I’m just messing with my ever-argumentative counterpart). It’s unfortunate that he is probably in staff meeting and unable to answer these burning questions.
ryanbrymer Thanks ryanbrymer and danieldehart so much for your comments! I am definitely grateful for the opportunity to read them and to grow as a writer. I will be the first to admit, looking back, there are points within this post that could have been articulated and communicated better. Specifically, when posing the question, “Why would you not vote?”. First off, I would encourage anyone to ask themselves this question, to simply check their heart motive behind the decision to vote or not. Also, let me clarify the audience I intended. Those I had in mind might be better described as the apathetic or… Read more »
Mike Mobley I appreciate your humility and clarification. (which is better than humiliation and clarity.)
I guess that my biggest fear (and you did address it originally) is that people would vote without really being informed. That they would do it simply due to coercion and guilt.
Obviously I’ve got beef on the issue, I just took it out on you because Dan told me that you could handle it. Thanks for being open to “robust dialogue.”
haha anytime, always look forward to having a robust dialogue!