Many Christians both Pastors and Parishioners are perhaps struggling with the opportunity of voting this November. Not just the question of whom to vote for but if they should vote at all. I stand before you as one who had resolved not to vote, but after a casual conversation over breakfast I began a journey of exploration, both of self and the Bible. Scriptures that are not just great examples of wisdom but the ultimate standard of truth.
The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 13 verse 1 clearly states that Christians must obey “governing authorities” because all their authority comes from God. When Paul pens this he is writing during a system of government, which at is core, is a Monarchy lead by the Cesar’s and to a people who had no say in the ultimate head of state. Verse one establishes the Authority of governance but verses 2-8 out line the responsibilities of that leadership.
The question that I had to ask, and encourage all to ask, is how then does Paul’s exhortation inform & influence a Christians stance on voting in our modern Republic? Democracies & Republics are best described as collaborative or representative, in that officials and leaders are elected, representing “the will of the people!” Though not perfect, this form of government is generally considered to be the best of mankind’s governments. The great 20th-century British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, summed up this idea in a not so straight forward way when he called democracy “the worst form of government—except [for] all the other[s]...”
So here is the catch: George Washington & our founding fathers, men I believe led by God, brought into existence this great experiment, America, where the people are the leaders! Here, at least, we express our obedience to God by exercising our rights and privileges as citizens. “We the people” are the Civil Authority, and this authority is by Gods permission and by His Sanction, it exists by God’s appointment. Our VOTE is a reflection of our leadership. TODAY, there are many who want to drive the name and message of Christ completely from the public square. Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve Godly governance.
Romans chapter 13 vs. 2-8 becomes wise counsel for us:
- We should not resist this appointment as it is by God’s design.
- When we vote, we should not do so in a manor that causes terror in people of Good Conduct, but to those of bad behavior.
- In our voting we are to do what is right so as to receive God’s approval and commendation.
- As we vote, we become God’s servant for the good of society.
Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would denigrate the name of Christ have their way in our lives. The leaders we elect—or do nothing to remove—have great influence on our freedoms and the freedoms of future generations who’s voices have yet to be heard. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or they can restrict those rights. They can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral disaster. As Christians, we should stand up and follow our calling to fulfill our civic duties.
Final Thoughts
I would do a great disservice if I did not include not just advice but a command of Jesus towards all who claims to be in relationship with God. Jesus in the gospel of Mathew 5:13-15 gives perhaps the best reason why I believe, those of us that hunger & thirst for righteousness, must take up a burden for the world we live in and the people which are our neighbors. His call, His great exhortation is to view ourselves as he view’s us, as Salt and Light in this world:
- 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Friends, & fellow clergy, we must use our voices, our God given appointments, whither from the pulpit or at the dinning table, to speak God’s perfect truth in love. In doing so WE become the preserving agent in society and create the opportunity for God to be experienced. If we fail to exercise our right and calling we will become irrelevant. Jesus continues in Matthew’s gospel:
- 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (msg)
As we vote we have the opportunity to shed light on the darkness in this world.
My prayer today is that all under the sound of my voice will hearken to this call as they vote, To walk Humbly before God and by doing so make a way for His Justice & His Mercy.
Grace & Peace be with you all as you vote.
