17 Sep Does God Expect Christians To Vote?

Voting From a Christian Perspective

Most Christians would say that voting is a privilege and they should be active and vocal in the political process. Yet, many Christians feel conflicted about whether or not God expects them to vote. As our society continues to change, Christians must play an active role in politics to ensure that our values and freedoms are not compromised.

Does God expect Christians to vote? Although the Bible does not address the topic of voting, we believe God expects Christians to be active participants in the politics of our nation. In doing so, we can help influence the future of our country, protecting the religious freedom of America for generations to come.

In this article, we will explore what scripture says about this topic as well as provide some steps for those who want to make an informed decision on how they choose to vote.

Top Reasons Christians Should Vote

While the Bible does not explicitly say that Christians must vote, there are several reasons why we believe that every Christian should involve themselves in our nation’s politics in this way. 

Voting is a God-Given Privilege

As Christians in America, we have been blessed with many privileges that allow us to influence and change the world in which we live. Although our impact may feel minimal, we must all continue to do our part to protect the freedoms that we currently experience.

Voting is an incredible privilege in America. It is up to each Christian to make an educated decision when selecting candidates to support. 

Voting is a Civic Responsibility

Not only is voting a God-given privilege but it is also a civic responsibility. As Americans, we have the great blessing of living in a nation in which our opinions can influence society as a whole. We must not take this responsibility lightly! 

Voting Shows Love for Our Neighbors

In Matthew 22:39, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. There are many practical ways to live out this command. Voting, however, is one way to demonstrate love for our neighbors! 

By taking time to research political candidates, we can vote for leadership whom we believe have the best interests of our neighbors in mind. Voting is just one of many ways that we can defend the marginalized and less fortunate members of our society. 

Additionally, by voting for good political leaders, we can protect the religious freedoms that are so foundational to the history of our nation.

Voting Allows Us to Make a Difference

Many levels of politics provide the opportunity to vote. The greatest emphasis is often placed on voting in presidential elections. While this is certainly important, it is just as important to participate in local and state elections.

In many ways, local and state leadership makes a greater impact on our daily lives. Through voting at all levels of politics, we can make a difference in the world around us – both immediately and worldwide.

Why Some Christians Do Not Make Voting a Priority

There are many topics on which Christians in America are divided – voting is one of them. Some Christians do not vote because they are simply uninformed or uninterested in the candidates. Others refrain from voting because they feel as if it is not their duty. This ideology is often based on the belief that God is controlling all things – a statement that is certainly true. 

However, it is our privilege and responsibility to participate in politics, knowing that God ultimately controls the destiny of our nation and political leaders. We must not be passive bystanders but rather active participants in the political future of America.

Important Things Christians Must Do Before Voting

So, we know that it is both our civic responsibility and our God-given privilege to participate in politics through the act of voting. But how do you prepare to cast your ballot as a Christian? Here are some practical steps to follow before heading to the voting box.

Research the Candidates

Before you cast your vote, you must take time to research the candidates for whom you are voting. Although many Americans, specifically Christians, are drawn to one political party, it is important to research candidates from various standpoints. Taking time to thoroughly research the candidates allows you to cast an informed vote for a leader that represents your views.

Pray Through Your Decisions

We must not overlook the power of prayer in politics. Throughout the Bible, Christians are instructed to pray for their leaders. We must also take time to prayerfully consider the candidates that we mark on our ballots. Pray that God would guide your decisions to best defend and represent your beliefs. 

Surrender Your Vote to God’s Will

Many Americans (both believers and unbelievers) become easily discouraged when their candidate is defeated in an election. While it is certainly disheartening to find yourself in this position, we must seek to surrender our vote to God’s will.

We have a calling to participate in the election of our political leaders through the act of voting. However, we must remember that ultimately, God has the final say in the future leadership of our nation. Even when it is hard to imagine, He has placed leaders in their positions at the perfect time in history to accomplish His great plan. 

Bible Verses About Politics

While there may not be Bible verses that specifically address the topic of voting, there are plenty of Bible verses that discuss politics. 

Romans 13:1-7

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. 

Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“I urge, then, first of all, 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.”

These are just two of many Bible verses that touch on the topic of politics and leadership. As Christians, we must continue to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture as it pertains to all areas of our lives. 

In Conclusion

The Bible does not directly address the topic of voting. However, we know that God has given us this great freedom. Voting is a civic responsibility that we must not take lightly. It is important to conduct thorough research on each candidate before casting your vote.

Furthermore, we know that voting is a practical way that we can defend our religious freedom and other freedoms that we continue to experience in America. By voting for Godly leaders, we can ensure that these freedoms are experienced by generations to come. 

In doing so, we will be demonstrating love for our neighbors and the ones who will follow – allowing them to live in a world that values liberty, justice, and equality. 

Related Questions

What political party best represents Christians? A tale seemingly as old as time – Christians are Republicans, Democrats are not. BUT, that is actually not true! In fact, not only is it not true, but it is not a healthy mindset. The choice of political party affiliation is not to be dictated by your religion, family history, or even the pressure of your peers. 

Instead, each Christian must do their due diligence to research issues of importance such as abortion, human rights, and the sanctity of marriage on both sides of the political sphere. Doing so will allow them to choose a political party affiliation that best represents their beliefs. 

Should Christians run for political office? Representation is important in the world of politics. Voting certainly makes an impact. However, a Christian in a position of leadership would be able to make a much larger impact. But, does this mean that someone should run for political office simply because they are a Christian?

To be successful in making an impact politically, leaders must have an inclination towards politics. Not every Christian should run for political office. However, if a Christian is gifted with the skills necessary to hold office, and they are inclined to run for office, they should do so freely!