November 1    

Arrows of the Almighty

Should A Christian Vote?

Without question the Kingdom that Jesus came to establish is not of this world.  Therefore, some well meaning Christians insist that they must pray only for righteousness to reign in the land but have nothing to do with the vote.  It was Churchill who said, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for the others.”   As good citizens of a democracy there are many reasons why Christians should vote.  Here are a few. 

As all authority is God’s, He has given us the responsibility as caretakers of this place to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey God in all areas of their lives (Mt. 28:18-20).  This surely includes politics.  We must disciple people to make godly decisions about government, and promote the efforts of those who are already doing so.

God’s people must stand against evil.  St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God's kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man.  A look at history declares the alternative to be unthinkable.  In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa.  What was the result?  According to historian R. J. Rummel nearly 170 million men, women and children have been brutally murdered by these governments, all in the name of human progress.  This fact caused historian John Hallowell to say, “Only through a return to faith in God, as God revealed Himself to man in Jesus Christ, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil.”

Christian values are what make society loving and peaceful.  It has been Christian involvement in government through the ages that has given us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, the elevation of women, regard for human life, great works of art and literature, a workable system of justice, education for common people, the free-enterprise system, and much, much more.

When we see the good which results from applying God's principles, and the horror that results from rejecting them, it is just plain cruel and irresponsible to keep the teachings of Jesus to ourselves!  At the very least, we should vote out those who attempt to oppose God's authority.

Obedience to authority demands good citizenship.  The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 13 clearly states that we must obey governmental leaders because all authority comes from God.  Here's the catch: in America, the people are supposed to be the leaders!  Here, at least, we express our obedience to God by exercising our rights and privileges as citizens to vote responsibly for righteousness and compassion for all.