Amid being bombarded with ads and opinions telling us where to place our allegiance, this is about some scriptural principles in exercising the privilege and responsibility in voting.
1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) — 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
The first thing to consider is the fact that your privilege to vote is a God given rite and responsibility, therefore it is not to be taken lightly. As with any gift from God, there is the responsibility to consider the value in securing the gift as well as to be reminded that God holds the owner of any gift responsible to be a good steward of that which He has received.
When you think of the places of tyranny from which our founding fathers fled, the work they spent in writing the constitution to guarantee the rite of every citizen to have a say in things through representative government, then the blessing of being able to vote should not be taken lightly as you take up the duty and fulfill it to the best of your ability. That’s being a good steward.
As you consider voting, remember that whatever you do you are to do it to the glory of God which means you apply yourself as you remember that you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ as you vote.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) — 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Have you ever considered what it takes to vote? Voting is much more than merely filling out your ballot. It needs to begin with prayer as you seek after the wisdom of God in making good choices.
1 Peter 5:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
James 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Secondly, it means applying the soundness of mind that God provides in doing your homework in researching the background and platform of the candidates, considering the consequences of issues and platforms, taking note of what is being said and the source of the content.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) — 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I realize this step is often very hard because research is generally bias, which is why you need to consult multiple sources to get an adequate sense of the candidate’s platform or issues on the ballot.
The third principle is to vote. Too many times people say they are not satisfied with any candidate, so they just don’t vote. That is throwing away the gift. It’s best to dig deeper and consider the consequences of the candidate’s victory, then weigh out those consequences so that your choice is maybe on the candidate who apparently will do less harm. To avoid voting or voting carelessly as in holding your nose, closing your eyes and letting “fate” pick the candidate, is not being faithful to God.
The fourth thing to consider is the fact that God is in control.
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) — 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Some people use this as a reason to avoid the responsibility of voting. They will say, “God has the outcome in mind already, so why vote?” That fatalistic approach is not pleasing to God who uses every action of man for His sovereign purpose. Just because He has the final say is no reason to shirk our responsibility, because He holds us responsible for being good stewards of the things He provides.
We do need to understand that God has a purpose for all outcomes in life. That means we do not have the right to murmur, complain, or act irresponsibly at the outcome if things do not turn out the way we believed was right. God has a purpose for the outcome, or it wouldn’t have turned out this way.
Deuteronomy 32:3–4 (ESV) — 3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
The bottom line comes down to this: Treat voting like you would any other service to God. Begin with prayer, seek God’s will, wisdom, and help in making good choices. Make sure you do your homework and apply the same diligence as you expect any representative for whom you voted to do in making decisions. Finally, submit to God’s outcome whatever it is, knowing that He is in control and has a purpose for everything.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
Check out Bob’s podcast, The PowerBreak podcast wherever you download podcasts or from his website: www.bobbrubaker.com.
