Christian Voters, How Will You Decide?
Teammate, the time is soon approaching. Many around the world will keep their eyes on the outcome. Spectators, commentators, and strategists will voice their predictions. What am I talking about? The 2020 American Presidential election. When I think about it, so much comes to mind. It will be a very critical and historic event. However, I would like to pose a question to you. Do you as a Christian voter consult God in your voting? Does your faith have an effect on the person and the laws you support?
Acknowledge God
Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy way ways acknowledge him…” This Scripture tells us that God should be in everything we do. Even in our political stance, it is biblical to support and vote for those that uphold the laws and statutes of God. Some may think that God and politics are separate, and some may believe that they are inseparable. Nonetheless, with such a great event just around the corner, I feel you and I should consider some things.
Politics are controversial by nature. Discussing platforms and views can be an ongoing practice for many. Knowing that there is no perfect person, we can conclude that there will never be a perfect candidate. Even if candidates confess to being a Christian, there’s no guarantee that the Christian principles that are near and dear to you will necessarily be a priority for them. So, the lingering question in the mind of many believers is, “Should I even vote?”
To Vote or Not to Vote?
This is a question that I have heard many people ask themselves and others. Now, this is not an article about civil rights and/or acting on those rights. I am aware of the sacrifices that were made so that all people, especially African-Americans and women, could vote.
While voting is an essential element of democracy, it is still a personal choice. But, the “Should I vote?” question I’m referring to is the one that arises when Christian voters are uncertain of who they should support due to the compromise that may be present. In some of my discussions, I have found that people do not vote because they are unable to choose a candidate they believe are without biblical error or will uphold the biblical principals they care about.
As I thought about this and wanted to know more, I decided to seek the Lord on the matter. I needed to know if there was biblical evidence to justify supporting the “cleanest” platform.
Is Choosing the Lesser of Two Evils Biblical?
People have said that “all sins are equal” or “sin is sin.” You may have heard this before, I know I have. While I studied the Scriptures, I was unable to find anything that supports this claim. While I understand that sin leads to death (James 1:15), prior to that point there is no scripture that implies all sins are weighted equally. I liken it to our own judicial system. While all offenses are crimes, not all crimes receive the same punishment. In fact, not all crimes require prison time. Some crimes are punishable with fines or warnings.
In Mathew 23:23, Jesus confronts the Pharisee and scribes for “omitting the weightier matters of the law.” While Jesus was not condoning breaking any law, He referred to the Pharisees as “hypocrites” because they were more concerned about tithe, than they were about justice, mercy, and faith.
In John 19:11, Jesus even told Pilate before His crucifixion that the people that had delivered Him to Pilate had the “greater sin.”
Putting all this together has led me to conclude that, as a believer, if you choose to vote, you have to consider which candidates’ platform has the least amount of offense unto the Lord. Do you agree?
How do you do this, you might ask? In regard to degrees of sin, we know that abominable sins are weighted much more than others. Abominations are the intolerable sins to God (Proverbs 6:16-19). I would encourage you to search the scriptures and note sins and their classifications. Consider what is most offensive to God when researching the platforms and laws that require your vote.
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
Teammate, voting is your personal decision. However, we cannot affect the outcome if we don’t act. If you are a believer who votes, you must consider more than carnal matters. If we love God, we must hate evil (Proverbs 97:10). Remember: It is never the person we hate, but the sin.
Supporting candidates and laws that would advance abominable practices like homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22) or shedding innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17), just to name a few, would cause us to dishonor God and His desires.
I have written this article to give you something to think about. How we participate in this next election can have a significant effect on our spiritual freedoms and the righteousness of this nation. An increase in sin can produce unwanted attention from God. Recall Sodom and Gomorrah. (Yes, that is a prophetic word.)
All in all, we must acknowledge God in everything we do. As long as we have pleased Him, all things will work out for the good of His team.
I pray that this helps you.
