Should Christians vote in this election?
I know this sounds strange to ask. I have been encouraging Christians to vote and get involved for all of my ministry. Personally, Martha and I always vote–tax elections, constitutional amendments, the whole ballot.
I ask the question because I keep hearing people ask the question. Some who ask the question obviously have agendas that I don’t care to deal with. Others are asking serious questions which should be answered.
Here is my attempt to answer the question.
The issue for most people is the absence of an evangelical Christian on the ballot. How do we vote in this kind of situation? Rasmussen Polls regularly reports on the large number of people who are struggling in this regard.
I beleive Christians should always vote.
First, vote to help “light” and “salt” the earth. Who should vote if Christians don’t? After all, we have the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. If anyone should know for whom to vote it is Christians.
Second, it does make a difference who is elected. Many people hate politics and therefore don’t want to be involved. If we aren’t involved, we simply turn the election to pagan masses and a dysfunctional system of government. We see everyday the results of living apart from God. Why would we abandon the opportunity to influence those who lead?
Third, those elected will determine public policy and how people are treated.Who is elected really matters. Bob Russell, longtime pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, reminded us that it mattered to God which of Jesse’s sons became king. Check out this insightful article here http://www.bobrussell.org/2012/10/28/should-christians-care-about-the-upcoming-election/. Pastor Russell also lets us know that it mattered to the Jews in Europe who was elected in Germany during WWII.
What is the public policy that will affect us this year? Among many issues, this election will affect the right to life, the preservation of marriage, and our freedom to believe everything in the Bible and to live accordingly. Public policy matters.
Fourth, we have to live in this world until Jesus comes. The Lord may return soon, but He may tarry. Your children and grandchildren could be affected for the next century. Future generations may grow up under a presidency or a series of leaders which respect all religions and grants liberty or under one that denigrates faith. Does that matter?
You have been given a great right and an even greater responsibility. Make your vote count for God.
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6 Responses
Thanks Dr. Bailey. I especially enjoy reading your blog each Monday. It has become a part of my morning routine. This particular blog was most relevant for this coming week.
About 10 years ago, one of the two Utah senators came to attend services at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. Dr. Jerry Falwell introduced the senator and said something like this: we have different religious beliefs so while I would not ask him to fill our pulpit, I would support his nomination to the Supreme Court. Back in the 1980s when I was an associate editor for a small newspaper, when I would write editorials dealing with Christianity in daily living, the Mormons of the COmmunity were the first ones to thank me for my comments.
Well said. This dilemma provides a great opportunity for true Christians to proclaim the Gospel. May the Holy Spirit move strong men to proclaim it boldly!
Thanks Waylon. Edmund Burke said that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
40/40
Isaiah 55:1 “ ‘Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!’”
John 14:6 “ Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Acts 2:38-41 “38) ‘Repent,’ Peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’ 40) And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, ‘Be saved from this corrupt generation!’ 41) So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.”
Many years ago in the early 1980’s I served two consecutive terms as President of a local Gideon camp. As such, I made many presentations to Christians, talked to many schools, hotel & motel managers and stood on many sidewalks as well as went into a number of schools/colleges to present students with New Testaments which included Psalms and Proverbs.
The first words of Isaiah in Chapter 55 is a motivation. The last three verses is a promise. Gideons frequently call on the promise in verse 11 in the distribution of God’s Word. My prayer in claiming the completion of the Promise of 12 & 13 is the reason I share these thoughts with you.
Yes, Christians should always vote. My understanding of God and Jesus the Christ lead me to vote for the candidates who avoid war, help the poor, and heal the sick.