You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become
tasteless, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under
foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot
be hidden; nor does anyone
light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives
light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in
such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in
heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
by: Dwayne Hastings (adapted)
1. Christians
should vote because Jesus tells us in the Bible to be a part of the process,
not apart from it. Jesus commands His followers to involve themselves in the
culture as "salt" and "light" - bearing the purifying and enlightening force of
Scripture - to impact society for good and for God. It is a Christian's
obligation to offer up a Bible-based agenda for the common good.
2. Christians
should vote because our liberties were secured by the blood of our forbearers
in faith early in our nation's history and have been preserved by the vigilance
of brave men and women who time and time again have defended our freedoms. When
we exercise our right to vote, we acknowledge our gratefulness for the
sacrifice of those who have gone before us. When Christ-followers decline to be
involved in the political process, our voice is weakened and our ability to
bring biblically based views into the policy arena may be eroded.
3. Christians
should vote because Jesus urged His followers to give back to Caesar the things
that are Caesar's (Luke 20:19-26). Voting
is a means by which all citizens exercise their civic responsibilities under
the rights guaranteed in a democracy. In doing so, Christians are acting in
obedience to the Lord's command. For a
Christian to sit on his hands during an election is an unconscionable breach of
Christ's command to be a responsible citizen.
- Christians
should vote because Scripture compels us to voice our biblically derived
convictions at the ballot box, as well as through the mailbox and atop the
soapbox.
For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 1 Peter 2:15 As Christians, we should be informed voters, not voting a "party line" or simply in accordance with another's prescribed agenda. Christians are to look beyond the campaign rhetoric and artful posturing to uncover the true policy positions of the candidates. - Christians
should vote because the innocent, the indigent, and the unborn need a
defender.
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 We are standing squarely on Scripture when we support candidates who advocate public policy that protects innocent human life, cares for the oppressed, and provides equal justice for the accused. - Christians
should vote because as we exercise our civic right we have the opportunity
to advocate policy positions that signal our faith in the providential
care of God.
We exhibit our trust in God as we support candidates whose public policy positions may not directly benefit us but offer relief to others in greater need. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 Our positions on the issues may run counter to the whims of the population at large as we emphasize policies that address the needs of others, placing our own interests subservient to the public good.
7.
Christians should vote because as we involve ourselves in the
electoral and public policy process, we pray for our leaders. Because
Jesus charged us to carry our faith into the public square, we bear a necessary
obligation to both pray for our leaders and plead for policy that is
undergirded by scriptural principles.
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy2:1-2
