The Vote and the Christ-Follower: 2012
November 6th, a very important day
in the life of our country. The whole country is thinking and talking politics
during this election season. What does God have to say about politics? Does
God’s Word give us instructions on how we should vote or respond to the
outcome of the vote? The answer to both of those questions is a resounding
“YES”! There is something the Cross has
to say about Washington
1) Vote. It’s estimated that
between 17 and 30 million evangelicals did not vote in 2008. While it’s true
that you will not find a verse that says “Thou shalt vote,” biblical principles
clearly lead us to the conclusion that Christians bear a unique responsibility
to “speak the truth” in the public square. Voting is an important means of
doing just that!
2) Vote the Bible. Politics is like a football game. The two teams are the parties,
and usually, they’re trying to tackle each other to the ground! The
church is much like the third group of individuals on the field; we’re the ones
wearing stripes, the referees. As Christians we’re not beholden to a
political party, no matter what our voting card may say. Like football refs, we
are bound to the Rule-book and our role is to consistently remind the two teams
of the rules. As Christ-followers, we are called to stand on the authority of
God’s Word and vote in accordance with what God has already said! This means we
vote for candidates whose views are most in keeping with the Bible. When clear
biblical issues are on the ballot we vote for what God has said even if it’s
unpopular in our society.
What kind of issues? I can name a few: There’s
concern for the poor and concern for justice; the life of the unborn and the
sanctity of marriage between men and women; there is our stewardship of
creation and involvement in war; not to mention economic, religious, and civil
freedoms for all citizens.
3) Remember, voting is only one way we bring the truth of
scripture to bear on society. We talk to our neighbors. We act in volunteer
opportunities, give money to those working in areas we support, and even the
old fashioned way of writing letters to our representatives in government.
4) Trust that God is on
His Throne! Ultimately we can’t
control the outcome of elections. We control our vote. We can pray and ask God
for His mercy and grace on our nation, to give us leaders after His heart. We
can’t control elections but, we serve a
God who is in complete control!
When
we wake up on November 7th, whether the candidates we like have won
or lost, God is still on His throne! Vote, but don’t fix your hope on Romney or Obama— fix
your hope on Jesus Christ !
No Matter Who is
Elected,
It won’t change what Christ did on the cross.
It won’t change who wins
in the end.
It should not change who
we are as God’s people,
speaking out for truth,
righteousness and
the Good News of Jesus Christ !
We don’t know how end
times will unfold or what America Christ , and a blood-covered people
gathered around His throne from every nation.
That’s where history is
headed, so let’s be at peace in the church!
Mar 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt
has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in
yourselves, and be at peace with one
another."
Be encouraged by
Scriptures like Dan 4:35, Isa 40:17, and Rom 13:1. God’s Kingdom is marching on!
Adapted and edited from an article by Scott Wilson
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