I have often been asked the question, “How is a Christian to vote?” Without telling people who to vote for, this article answers that question. Here is a voting guide for 2020 that explains how to make godly choices in the voting booth based on biblical principles.
Issues and principles that affect voting
Living in a pluralistic society has complicated moral and social issues. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on issues that affect the welfare of society, and there isn’t even a consensus on what are important issues.
One helpful approach to the confusion surrounding who to vote for is to consider what the Christian Bible has to say about voting. A Christian voting guide can be a helpful start. Although the Bibles doesn’t directly address the act of voting, the New Testament does use the Greek word for vote once (Ac 26:10). The Greek word is “Psephos”. It means to cast a pebble as a ballot or verdict. In other words, to vote is to make a choice (Paul did this when he agreed to put to death believers in Jesus as the Messiah).*
Jeremiah the Prophet’s advice
Jeremiah sent a letter to the Jews exiled in Babylon (Jer 29:4-7). He directed them to settle down and learn how to live in a pagan society. They were instructed to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of the city where the Lord had sent them. They were also to pray for the welfare of the city. In doing so, their family’s health, happiness, and fortunes would be safe.
The biblical idea of social well being is rooted in the Hebrew word “Shalom” meaning wellness, happiness, or wholeness. It’s the opposite of harming one’s neighbor (Jer 38:4). Christians are to promote “Shalom” in whatever culture they live. Practicing “Shalom” means promoting the common good.
What is good?
Again, in a pluralistic society, the common good is debated. So, how does a Christian determine what is good for society? We must consider what Scripture defines as good.
The Prophet Micah reminded his culture of God’s definition of good.
“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?” Mic 6:8 ESV
As Calvin points out in his commentary, Micah is referring to consistently applying the Ten Commandments to everyday life. Doing justice is to treat everyone with equity and to protect the innocent. Second, God’s people are not only to be kind (or merciful), they are to love being kind. God requires that we do more than act properly toward each other (external conformity). We are to want to show kindness (passion drive behavior). Kindness is to motivate us in contrast to selfishness. Third, humility defines our relationship with God and thus with each other. Humility means to be empty of pride (Pr 11:2).
Here is where wisdom in knowing how to choose the common good appears. Good is doing God’s will among those with whom we live. We should choose what protects the common good, do it with zeal, and walk before God knowing that without his Spirit, we are empty wanton individuals (Mt 5:3).
Important life-issues
The principles of seeking the welfare of the city and doing what God says is good is where we find the wisdom to vote in a God-honoring manner. To promote the good of society, we must prioritize the elements of the common good found in the Bible. Here are three key issues that always relate to the election of public servants (officials). All three are life issues. That is, they are life and death concerns that supersede lesser (though important) issues.
Those who are vulnerable
1) The most important cultural issues facing Christians of all ages and cultures relate to life and death. On top of this list is the concern for those whose lives are in danger because they are unable to protect themselves. The most vulnerable individuals are those in the womb. Abortion is not a lesser issue. It is a primary life and death issue. God has formed that child for life, liberty, and the pursuit of a relationship with his/her Creator. Human life must be preserved at all costs.
Those who are innocent
2) The persecution of individuals, especially those victimized for religious reasons, is another primary life concern. The removal of private property, the disruption of family income, false imprisonment, and martyrdom are all evil acts against the preservation of life. The government’s basic function is to protect, defend, and punish those who violate issues related to life.
Those needing to hear the gospel
3) Equality and freedom of religious expression are inalienable rights. They relate to offering the Gospel without restrictions. A knowledge of God and redemption through His Son Jesus Christ should never be hindered. Jesus commanded his followers to share this knowledge so that all who respond may enjoy eternal life (Mt 28:19-20). What will it profit anyone to gain the whole world if he forfeits the greatest quality of life—eternal life? (Mk 8:36).
This list is only a start of biblical principles that influence how a Christian should vote. Yet, life issues are non-negotiable responsibilities of government. When Micah mentions doing justice, loving-kindness, and walking humbly with God, in one sense, protecting innocent life is applying the imperative to do justice. Standing up against religious persecution is showing kindness (mercy) to those in serious need of protection. And supporting the free expression of faith in all areas of life (including educational environments) is a cultural way of walking humbly before our Creator God.
A strategy for voting
Once we understanding the importance of the fundamental issues of life, we can now decide on the mode of voting. Joe Carter, an editor for The Gospel Coalition, wrote an article (Nov 8, 2016) on how a Christian should decide to vote. Here are a few options he suggests regarding a strategy for voting.
Choose your candidate
1) We can search out key issues and vote for the candidate who we believe is most likely to support our view on important social issues.
Choose not to vote
2) On the other end of the voting spectrum, we can choose not to vote as we are unable to find any candidate that we think will make a good civil servant.
Choose the lesser of two evils
3) Many feel that no candidate meets all of their expectations, so they chose the one who will do the least amount of harm to the important issues of the day, or they pick the runner who will promote most of what is believed to be important issues.
Choose to make a statement
4) Some voters want to make a statement in their vote by rejecting the two primary American parties (Democrat and Republican parties), so they vote for an independent candidate. This strategy hopes that someone will notice the move away from a primary political party.
Choose the replacement
5) As candidates become older, there is the concern over who will replace them. This, in turn, causes some to consider the running mate for vice-president quite significant. The running mate might replace the president-elect within a year or two (this has happened four times in American presidential history).
Vote based upon issues and character
As Christians, the Bible instructs us to “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18 ESV). This verse implies that in a democratic society, Christians should not choose a candidate for what he or she will do for them, but vote for the person who will be good for society. In other words, choose a person whom you think will support a good and peaceable life.
This also means a believer in Christ needs a level of discernment in making political choices. Does this candidate support the issues that align with Scripture? Is their character of such quality and integrity to support what they say? Do they possess effective political/ negotiating skills and are they well educated/ experienced regarding the issues? Will they bring to the office they seek valuable and necessary resources to do justice, love kindness, and humbly walk with God?
Issues of protecting life and Christians taking responsibility in choosing morally credible candidates who will represent them in government are critical guidelines for voting in all elections. It’s worth finding out what are the issues in your community and what concerns face the nation. And to choose God-honoring leaders as you vote your conscience in light of Scriptural principles.
Voter guides
For information on particular concerns, go to websites that explain federal and state issues. Here are sites that consider those issues from a biblical perspective. They will answer the questions you might have that this Christian voting guide has not addressed.
https://www.christianvoterguide.com/
https://www.biblicalvoter.com/
- There are a few Bible passages that refer to God’s people relating to government and figures in authority. Ex 18:21, Deut 1:13, Dan 2:21, Pr 29:2, 12 , Rom 13:1
Vote green, vote blue and election day pics from freerangestock.com, Micah 6:8 from Bible.com, Boy blowing seeds by Kat Jayne @ Pexels.
