For American Christians, voting is one of their basic rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. When Christians vote, they get to have their say in decisions that could have an impact on their faith and quality of life on this earth. But studies have shown that a significant number of Christians do not vote in their state and general elections. It is a dangerous thing for Christians to not vote because those elected leaders, who are not part of the faith, might freely introduce and sign into law any legislation. This legislation could be the type that interferes with our right to practice our faith freely and preserve that right for our children. Let's examine some more reasons why it is so important for Christians to vote.
Even though we know the days are evil, we don't know when Jesus will return. Ephesians 5:11-16 (NIV) tells Christians that they have an obligation to expose the deeds of evil and take every opportunity to do so. As an example, what if a legislator wants to introduce a law that Christians are no longer allowed to broadcast on radio and television? Christians need to find out who the legislator is, proposing such legislation, and make sure that he or she will be voted out in the future. This same Bible passage also expresses the urgency of action by Christians because the “days are evil.” In Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV), Jesus tells His audience that Christians are the “salt and light” of this earth, and their good deeds should not be hidden. When Christians vote their consciences, their good deeds are not hidden.
Christians should vote because they are the ones who remain to call evil what it is. Christians live by the standard of Isaiah 5:20 (NIV), which gives warning to those who call evil as good and good as evil. Pop culture is not always right when exposed to the light. The vote exercised by the Christian is the only defense to the errors often expressed by pop culture. When Christians vote, they help to maintain a standard of morality that allows the orderly functioning of society. Otherwise, society will eventually migrate to complete chaos.
Christians have a duty to vote in order to protect the innocent. Our children, to include the unborn, have neither the power nor the maturity to make decisions that are in their best interests and safety. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) that we are to defend the interests of those who cannot speak for themselves or without the resources to protect their own self-interests. When we vote, we have a part in preventing abortion laws from becoming more liberal. We also protect our children from the relaxing of laws that help to protect them from access to pornography. Christians today have a basic right to home school their children, but this could disappear if they don't vote for leaders who would legislate to protect that right.
When Christians vote, they have a part in discerning leaders. Jesus warned, in Matthew 24:4 (NIV), that in the end times many leaders shall appear saying that they are the Christ. Jesus warned His listeners to not be deceived by them. While the occurrence of leaders claiming to be deity is rare, the occurrence of charismatic political leaders is not. Just look at recent general elections where political candidates assert to the general population their faith in Jesus. How can we tell who is genuine and who is not? Jesus also says in Matthew 7:15 (NIV) that you shall know the true believers by their “fruits.” We need to verify the track record of any leader claiming to have faith in Jesus Christ; and if they fall short, vote accordingly.
