Ahead of every important election cycle, the following questions are raised: “Is it critical that I vote? And must Christians be involved in elections?”
The Bible teaches that God ordained three spheres of government: church government, family government, and civil government. God delegated specific, limited authority and powers to each institution for it to operate effectively, according to His design.
The church is obligated to evangelize, disciple and discipline Christians, and exercise ecclesiastical authority over God’s people. The family is obligated to be faithful in marriage and to disciple and discipline children; the husband/father is to exercise authority over the family unit. Likewise, the civil government is obligated to protect and preserve the rights and powers of the church and family institutions, promote the common good and punish evildoers, and exercise the limited powers of civil government over the whole of society.
An obligation and a duty
We, as Christians, readily recognize the obligation and duty to be members and good stewards of our families and our churches. We are required to be actively engaged in church – whether we are pastors or parishioners. We are required to be faithful members of our families – whether we are parents or children.
But do we understand our biblical obligation and duty to be good citizens in our civil society?
We are to be good citizens regardless of what form or system of government our nation provides – not just when a particular form of government or certain leaders suit us. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus commanded, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” He was speaking of the duty of God’s people to be good citizens in civil government and good citizens of God’s kingdom.
Similarly, 1 Peter 2:11-17 exhorts us to live godly lives and honor our civil government, even in a pagan society. We are to live morally upright lives among the ungodly and submit ourselves to civil authorities, since God intends for those authorities to be a means by which evil is punished and good is rewarded. (See also Romans 13.)
But what if the civil government is not doing good or is acting illegitimately, against God’s commands?
A privilege
In America’s constitutional republic, we have the privilege of determining who exercises the powers of government over us. In some instances, as through propositions, amendments, and initiatives, we also decide what our laws and policies dictate. Our leaders are not entitled to power through birthright or conquest, but they must earn the opportunity to be in public office through citizens’ support.
That is why it is so important for Christians in America to vote and participate in our form of government so that our influence will result in the best possible civil government that will promote good, punish evil, and act according to truth, rather than paganism.
We help our government promote common good by voting based on our values. We must remember that we are not voting for the personal likability (or dislike) of a particular candidate. As Christians, we are voting because we have the responsibility in America to select our leaders. We should select the best possible option available, in accordance with the Bible’s commands.
Think about it: How much easier is it for the Christian to honor government when government is honoring God?
By voting, we can also influence judicial retentions, ballot measures, constitutional amendments, school boards, and a host of other offices and issues. Why would we not exercise our godly influence in these important areas?
For example, in this November’s election, 10 states have ballot measures that would cement a “right” to late-term abortion in the state’s constitution. Protecting the unborn’s right to life and refusing taxpayer-funded abortions are absolutely issues in which we Christians must engage and do everything in our power to oppose, in order to bring about a righteous outcome.
It is the duty of the Christian to be a good citizen of our civil society and a good steward of our government, especially in a system like America’s where we have the blessings of liberty to engage through our voice and our vote.
A matter of conscience
So, what about abstaining from voting as a matter of conscience?
It is important to extend grace to each other when discussing this topic because it is a matter of wisdom rather than a specific biblical command or prohibition. God does not command us to take specific actions as a citizen in a constitutional republic. Rather, He provides us with principles we are to follow.
Some Christians, based on their own consciences before the Lord, and perhaps on their own experiences, may arrive at different conclusions as to what is the best way to discharge their duty of stewardship in citizenship. That is OK, if each alternative is still within the principles of God. Scriptural references to conscience advise that for actions that are not specifically proscribed or prohibited by God, these are a matter of wisdom.
Just because a decision is a matter of wisdom does not always mean every possible decision can be justified within the principles God provides. For example, when choosing whom to marry, a believer may have several options for a spouse. But one of those options should not be an unbeliever, because God prohibits the Christian from choosing to be yoked to an unbelieving spouse
(2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
So, you must first determine whether the decision is a matter of command/prohibition or wisdom. If it is a matter of wisdom, you must resolve which options would be permissible before the Lord. Then, within those objective, biblically permitted options, you must determine which is right as a matter of your own conscience before the Lord.
Faithful Christians throughout America’s history have pondered how to steward their citizenship. Some chose to vote for the best possible option to advance good, while others, as a matter of conscience, could not do the same.
If there are specific elections or questions on the ballot from which a Christian personally believes he must abstain as a matter of conscience, then he should consider each part of the ballot individually – not abstain from the whole just because of one part.
A daily responsibility
We, as Christians, should not think of exercising our vote and involvement only in the presidential race or only on one issue or only on Election Day. Every day, we have work to do for the Lord for righteousness’ sake, not just on Election Day. Even if we elect righteous candidates to office, we have a responsibility to pray for them and hold them accountable to fulfill their governmental duties.
We can be involved in our state and federal legislatures by suggesting, supporting, or opposing legislation; testifying; communicating the biblical position to our representatives; and encouraging our communities and churches to do the same. We need to view civic engagement as a regular part of our Christian life. We need to encourage our churches and pastors to engage and speak, from the pulpit, about moral issues as well as the necessity of praying for and holding our leaders accountable.
As America heads into our November election and beyond, pray for our country, its leaders, and our citizens.
