Monday, November 5, 2012

Why Christians Should Vote


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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Scripture to Claim:
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

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