Does Jesus Expect Me To Vote? Part Two

If you remember President Wilson's advice from Part One concerning allowing our solutions to come from Scripture. That is the approach we are going to take in this post as we seek to answer the question, "Does Jesus expect me to vote?"

“There are a good many problems before the American people today, and before me as President, but I expect to find the solution to those problems just in the proportion that I am faithful in the study of the Word of God.” 10
~ President Woodrow Wilson

Jesus laid out a simple lens through which we can better view our political spheres. He taught that as citizens under a certain government’s rule we have a civic responsibility to obey that rule so long as that rule does not go against God's expressed will. Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. Amazingly, everything that Caesar had also belonged to God. ‌

It appears Jesus was telling the Pharisees, "If they didn’t like what Caesar was doing, then they should work within the system to bring about reforms." He never advocated rejecting the system, or hiding from it, or rebelling against it. I know there have been many cases where revolutions occurred because reforms weren't possible due to sin. But let's set those aside for now.

Remember, Jesus is concerned about restoration, about making all things new. I’d say that is a pretty significant civic responsibility. Scripture repeats a common theme; we are our brother’s keeper!‌

So how can we actively work toward bringing about restoration in such a messed-up political theater in our current day? How can we fulfill our civic responsibility and seek restoration? Are there other responsibilities we are held accountable for before God when it comes to elections and voting?

The Apostle Paul gives us some added perspective in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Let's look at each of those passages.

God is speaking to His people. He is reminding us that we are to do everything for His glory. We are to live as citizens in good standing among our secular peers. God’s Word tells us, in no uncertain terms, that we are to view our civic responsibility as our responsibility before God.

Ultimately, God appoints authorities over His people. He alone is sovereign and in control. So, no matter the political system or government we may fall under, our duty is to submit to their authority as best we can. If something is unjust, then we work within the system to seek reforms. The most important restoration tool at our disposal is the Gospel-influenced ballot box.

Daniel is a great example of this kind of responsible civic action in the way he lived during his Babylonian captivity. I believe Daniel took the words of Jeremiah 29:7 to heart during his subjection to foreign rule. ‌

“7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” ‌
~ Jeremiah 29:7 ESV 

Paul also taught us this principle in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.‌

“1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” ‌
~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV 

We are taught to pray for those who have the ruling power and authority over us, so that we may be able to live a peaceful and quiet life. Prayer helps us to align ourselves with God’s will in all circumstances. That is where our ultimate peace comes from.

Amazingly, praying about a matter not only asks for God’s help in situations, it also aligns our hearts with His will. Prayer helps us to be agents of peaceful restoration wherever and whenever the situation allows us the opportunity.

Should the believer ignore the elections altogether, while going about their regular routines trusting that God is in control? Should they engage in the political sphere by campaigning and promoting their preferred candidates? Perhaps the well-meaning believer should quietly cast their ballot for who they believe will be the lesser of two evils. ‌But let's face it, evil is evil. Is it really quantifiable?

There are so many possibilities, but there is one thing we should remember. God wants us to be actively seeking to exercise dominion and care for His world. He wants us to pray and seek the welfare of the place where He has planted us. So how can we best do that in America?

We don’t have to vote. We get to vote! 

There is a huge difference in this truth. Every legal American citizen old enough to vote has a unique responsibility before God to vote. We have a responsibility to exercise discernment by selecting candidates that will respect the will of the people, as well as, the will of God.

‌In large part, thanks to our Christian foundations, we live in a society that has equality, freedom, liberty, and justice. As Christians, we are thankful that we have religious freedom. But we must realize that these freedoms are always only a few election cycles away from eradication if we make poor choices. I believe we are in the midst of societal decline precisely because we haven't lived by and voted our common beliefs.

We have a civic and moral responsibility to defend these freedoms for ourselves and our children and grandchildren. and on, and on. There is no better way to defend these freedoms than to vote your convictions. If we don't, we may one day be living in a nation that we do not recognize at all! A nation without liberty! 

‌Politicians badly want your vote. They will do and say almost anything to garner your support. Remember: the word “poly” means many. The word “tick” means a blood-sucking insect. So politicians are like vampires. Okay so, I am joking, but only a little. There may be some truth in what I just wrote. ‌

So how can we get ready to go to the ballot box to cast a vote that counts? We should do the following:

Take some time to understand the options you have before you as you plan to cast your vote to elect someone as your representative. While it is easy to vote merely by association with a party, it is not always the responsible thing to do. You should look at each candidate to see who they are and what kind of track record they hold. See if they align with your Biblical worldview.

We should desire to be citizens who maintain and build upon the system we have for the betterment of our society, morally and economically. Who best fits the bill for the needs of our day?‌ If you don't see many viable options, then do something about that by considering running yourself in the next cycle. Or find someone who would serve convictionally and encourage them to run. America is full of talented Christian people, let's get behind them and vote for what built this great nation. 

‌Allow God to direct you through your research by bathing it in prayer. When you are done, give it to God and cast your ballot.

‌Whatever you do, please make a prayerful and educated decision. Don’t resort to public opinion, the opinion of peers, or voter guides. Do your own research. Be rightly informed. Vote like you are one with ruling authority; BECAUSE YOU ARE! ‌

If you are a parent, find ways to involve your children in the voting process. Teach them now, so they can make good decisions when the ruling authority becomes theirs. Their future is determined by the present. Where you can, discuss issues with them. Help them to think through good policy ideas. Teach your kids, because if you don't, others surely will.

Always remember to be salt and light. Shine your light by writing your representatives regularly and encouraging them as you pray for them. Attend events where you can interact with your representatives. Ask them questions. Suggest policy ideas. Be involved in the political arena. Let your saltiness serve as a preservative toward them. Helping them to preserve and advance the common good. 

However, sometimes you may be called upon to be a salt like irritant toward your representative. If they are making poor decisions, then follow the same steps above and let them know where they are in error, but please do so with a sense of respectful dialogue seasoned with the graciousness of Christ. 

President Theodore Roosevelt feared that we would soon come to live in a day in which we would have to choose between two competing ideologies. He was concerned that our choice would be between whether we were going to advance the cause of Christian civilization or revert to the horrors of brutal paganism (8). He believed that the welfare of our nation rested on “… the average man and woman (9)."

Roosevelt said that if they, “… are honest, capable of sound judgment and high ideals, active in public affairs — but, first of all, sound in their home life, and the father and mother of healthy children whom they bring up well — just so far, and no further, we may count our civilization a success (10).”

Teddy Roosevelt's vision for a healthy family life which actively engages in the public square in order to seek the welfare of all is the heart-cry of ZealousHomes. If we are going to have a truly great nation, then we must exercise our civic duty and vote. The Scriptures remind us that it is the responsibility of every Christian to seek the welfare of the land they are planted in. May we be obedient to God's call!

Until next time, live zealously!

#Christianzeal #bezealous, #stayzealous, #livezealouslyforChrist #zealouschristiangear

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If you missed our previous post, PART ONE of this series, then be sure to check it out. We dealt with the history and greatness of being able to vote in our own representatives. I hope you will consider how you can create a better, more godly nation.