Christian Stewardship At The Polls

Christians in the United States have a terrific blessing: we can vote in our elections and play a role in the process of government. Oh sure, I know you might say that our vote only plays a “small role,” I understand, but hey, we get a vote! A lot of people in our world do not have that privilege. Our riStght to vote has significance and value and, therefore, some responsibility.

When Christians talk about biblical principles to help inform voting, some verses from Romans chapter 13 are often cited.

1. We see, from Romans 13, vs. 3, that government authorities—when they are acting properly, according to God’s purposes—are intended to encourage what is right. “…Do what is right, and they [the authorities] will honor you.”

2. Authorities—when they are acting properly—are also supposed to punish wrongdoing. From vs. 4, “They [those in authority] are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.”

3. Government authorities—when they are acting properly—are also supposed to be promoting the greater good. From vs. 4, “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.”

I realize this is far, far short of covering all the questions and the issues, even on a surface level. But when trying to determine, as a Christian, who to vote for, or what issues are the right ones to support, here are some questions—based on the 3 biblical points mentioned above—that might be a helpful to consider:

*Which candidates are most likely to reward and honor good behavior?

*Which candidates are most likely to restrain evil and maintain law and order by punishing those who do wrong?

*Which candidates are most likely to promote the greater good?

And it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyhow: As Christians, our understanding of good behavior; punishing what is wrong; and promoting the greater good would be informed by the truths of the Bible.

It is true that there are no perfect candidates. I suspect no one would argue with that position. But some candidates are better than others, some candidates are more likely to attempt to honor and fulfill God’s purposes for the government.

Our foremost allegiance is always to our King and His Kingdom…the only eternal Kingdom, the Kingdom that supersedes and overrules all the governments and kingdoms of this world. But our King expects us to be responsible and to be, as best as possible, good informed citizens. So, it is right for us to thoughtfully, prayerfully participate.