Should Christians Vote In Elections & What Is Our Civic Duty

Every four years the U.S undergoes another round of elections to choose the next leader of the free world.  Tension run high, rhetoric becomes explosive and promises become overabundant.  Many people are on edge as they are fully vested in their policy(s) to prevail through their candidate’s victory.

Christians are on edge as well, with many leaders of the faith endorsing or speaking in favor of one candidate over the other.  This recent U.S election was tense and chaotic; we are witnessing the continuation of violence as those that are furious with the results are flocking to the streets and rioting.

What does the results mean to us, and how does this affect Christians.  The short answer is that as followers of Christ, our main objective is to serve the Lord and to be the Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16).  This means that our goal to bring the Love of Christ, evangelize, meet the needs of the poor and those hurting should be at the forefront of our lives.  As Christians, we should approach the Lord to seek his will and guidance.  In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Paul the Apostle states:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Just imagine if we start seeing the world through the eyes of the Lord.  Will we fight over who has the bigger piece of the pie or will we be concerned with peoples’ eternal salvation.  I urge everyone to not put hope in a candidate; rather we should place our trust in the Lord.  We must work towards serving the Lord everyday and to work through the proper channels to attain justice for those suffering, perishing from hunger, the defenseless and all those suffering persecution.

Let’s take Isaiah 1:17 seriously:

Learn to do right; seek justice.  Defend the oppressed.  Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

AMEN.