A Call to Pray & Vote

Election season is here. What does God’s Word teach us?

Many are familiar with the words Jesus taught us to pray from Matthew 6:9-13, but sometimes the beautiful language and kingdom references can seem more poetic than literal. However, the literal language is so applicable for the day we live in. 

A kingdom is a political unit of government. What if the church today were to pray that God’s government would come- that His will for all that is righteous and just would be carried out as faithfully and diligently in earthy realms (in our nation, our states, and our local communities) as it is performed in Heaven?  What if we truly acknowledged His Lordship in all things? “Lord” is also a historic, political term that acknowledges sovereign authority—and every earthly realm is still His. He has tasked us with being His ambassadors—another political term—and we are called to faithfully advance the policies of our King in the land where we dwell. 

When we vote, we have a duty to vote for godly, good governance. We have a duty to use our voice to advocate for justice for those (like the pre-born) who have no voice. We have a duty uphold policies that advance the laws of the eternal kingdom where our primary citizenship resides. We have a duty to turn our faith into action.  

So what does this look like in practice? The downloadable resource below offers 7 Principles for Voting Biblically. You are encouraged download and print this resource for your own use, and to share freely with others who may find this valuable.

1. Let God’s Word be your primary voting guide. Especially as you consider issues like the ballot proposals or consider policy priorities of different candidates, examine Scripture to see what God says about each issue. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 110:105).
2. Pray before you vote. Lean on the Lord’s wisdom and guidance.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him…” (Prov. 3:5-6). 
3. Vote for candidates who upholds Biblical principles. Are his/her views on social and moral issues in line with Scripture? As Kingdom Ambassadors (2 ^nd Corinthians 5:20-21), we must not “give approval to those who practice” what God has declared to be morally evil (Rom. 1:32).
4. Vote for candidates who will lead and advocate for justice. Is he/she is committed to a fair and righteous judicial system? “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
5. Recognize that ultimately, it is God who raises up leaders to accomplish His good plan. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1). Ultimately, it is God—not people—who appoints leaders (Gen. 45:8). We still have an important duty to vote, because we are God’s instruments, and He works through us. However, we must remember to submit humbly to God’s sovereign will and pray for those who take office, no matter who they are. 1^st Corinthians 1 tells us that God often works through the foolish and weak to show His strength and wisdom. Whatever the outcome of the election, one thing is certain: God will use this election for our sanctification. We prioritize peace and prosperity, but God is concerned about our piety and His eternal glory.
6. Vote for a candidate who has already demonstrated his/her ability to lead well. Inspect each candidate’s credentials and track record and see if the fruit of their labor is good or bad. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16)
7. Respect those with different opinions. Remember that every person you come in contact with is someone created in the image of God that Jesus died to save. Our job is to show the love of Christ at all times to all people, even when we disagree with them. “Be devoted to one another in love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” (Romans 12:10) 

For many, absentee ballots have already been sent out, and in-person early voting will start soon. However you choose to vote during this election season, we urge you to use your voice and your vote in a manner that glorifies God and faithfully upholds the values of His Word. With reverent, repentant hearts, let us pray and then vote as dual citizens of heaven and earth, fully cognizant of our duty to the eternal King. In the days that follow, let us continue to faithfully pray together like Jesus taught us to pray: that His Kingdom would come and that His will would be done, for He alone is our hope and salvation.