Woven within the intricacies of our interconnected global society, the teachings of the Apostle Paul still resonate today. Paul implores us to embrace our civic duties as divine responsibilities, bestowed upon us by none other than God Himself (Romans 13:1–3). God’s expectations for us are to follow His will and actively participate in shaping our world according to His divine will.
Our role in this grand design extends beyond being passive observers. We are called to be active agents of change, and dynamic participants in the civic sphere. Voting is not merely a right but a sacred responsibility, a tangible manifestation of our dedication to enacting God’s will in our world. But the act of voting is not enough. We are called to be responsible voters, to delve deep into the heart of issues, to scrutinize every facet, and to understand those who seek our vote. Our vote must be a testament to following God’s will. It must be cast with discernment, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our world, as enlightened guardians, working tirelessly to align our leaders and earthly laws with God’s divine vision and Truth.
(Deuteronomy 30:19)1NIV New International Version Translations – “ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”
The verse above is part of a speech by Moses, where he explains the choice between obedience to God’s commandments, which leads to life and blessings, and disobedience, which leads to death and curses. Moses urges the Israelites to choose life by obeying God’s commandments, thus ensuring a good life for themselves and their descendants. That is what God’s will is all about! The phrase “I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you” signifies the seriousness of the choice. The heavens and the earth, which are everlasting, are asked to testify to the agreement between God and His people. This highlights the unchanging and basic truth of God’s instructions. In essence, choosing to follow God’s will leads to life, and every decision we make between right and wrong is ultimately a choice between life and death.
Being a good citizen involves embracing our liberty, freedom in Christ, and living responsibly. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are already citizens of heaven. Until we get there, however, we are also called to be responsible citizens here on earth. Evidence of sin in our world is everywhere. Because of godless leadership (Proverbs 28:12), our world is filled with human suffering. Just because we are believers in Jesus Christ, we do not get a free pass to choose the charming, the wealthy, or the powerful to lead us, and then ignore the realities of God’s Truth. As God’s representatives of our world, we must choose capable leaders (Deuteronomy 1:13). If any candidate or ballot issue contradicts what the Bible teaches about life, family, marriage, or any other divine truth, we shouldn’t support them (as Proverbs 14:34 suggests). God provides clear guidelines about our responsibilities once decisions have been made.
- We are to pray for the nation’s leaders. Christians are encouraged to pray for those in authority, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
- We are to pray for discernment in our choices. Given such a clear directive, doesn’t it make sense to exercise your right to have a say in selecting the leader you may be called to serve?
- We must pay taxes. The Bible instructs Christians to fulfill their duty as citizens by paying taxes. This is stated in Matthew 22:21.
- We are to follow the laws. Christians are advised to submit to “every authority instituted among men” (1 Peter 2:13–14; Romans 13:2–5).
- We should respect and honor the authorities. In Romans 13, Paul argues that Christians should honor and submit to political leadership. This becomes most difficult if ungodly leadership is in place.
(1 Samuel 12:13-55) – “Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you. If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”
The Role of the Christian Voter
There is a corresponding principle, or expectation, that the people we choose to lead our nation reflect moral integrity (Proverbs 14:34). Caution is always advised because of the impact on a nation when the wicked are its leaders. Our modern world still lives with Satan’s deceptive lies. As citizens, God calls us to be aware of those who would mislead us! Our world has a history of using the term justice loosely. History shows how easily the Pharisees used a corrupt justice system to crucify our Lord. As we pray for discernment in our choices, it’s important to start with these questions:
- Who has brought you, or will bring you closer to God?
- What type of worldly prosperity do you seek?
- Who has brought you, or will bring you peace?
(Proverbs 29:2) – “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Discerning God’s Will for a Nation
We were all created to do good work. God Himself has prepared us for our role here on earth (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, our actions in life should align with God’s will (John 6:26). Our job is to work diligently and with a good heart, as if we were working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Why? As believers, everything should be done in the name of our Lord (Colossians 3:17). The good news is that God Himself will work through us (Philippians 2:13), making our world a better place. That is God’s promise!
The Bible teaches us that good leadership does not require perfection, but it does require repentance. Our responsibility is to seek leaders who have turned to God and honor Him, rather than mocking Him (Acts 3:19). Those who hide their sins will not be successful. Those who confess and turn away from their wrongdoing receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13). These verses remind us that while leaders are not expected to be flawless, they are encouraged to admit their mistakes, repent, and ask for God’s forgiveness. The Bible also emphasizes the link between a leader’s skills and the morality of their family. An individual’s leadership qualities should be reflected in their personal life, including how they manage their family. The ability to lead a nation is often judged based on how a leader handles their family responsibilities.
(1 Timothy 3:4-5) – “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”
Contemplations
- Will you vote?
- Ideas to Explore: Many options exist, such as early voting or on election day, via mail-in, or absentee.
- Will God approve of your choices?
- Ideas to Explore: Remember, it’s not about what your family, friends, or neighbors think. Are you confident that your decisions align with God’s will and truth?
- Whether we like it or not, politicians are either wealthy or will become wealthy. Should wealth accumulated through hustle, deception, or fraud be treated as wealth generated through risk and capitalism (creating something)?
- Ideas to Explore: Wealth is not the enemy in politics; it is the process used to accumulate it that typically sells out the nation.
- Will you educate yourself on the issues, understanding that your choice will affect not only people in the world but people in your family and even yourself?
- Ideas to Explore: When choices affect lives, we should work to be discerning.
- Although God calls us to accept the choice of a leader, He does not expect us to accept anything that goes against His will. How will you respond after a nation has made its decision?
- Ideas to Explore: Civility is never easy and challenging at times, yet it is always necessary.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations