How Christians Should Vote On Election Day

I hope you vote today (Tuesday, November 4, 2014).  It’s great to live in America and it’s great to be able to vote in our system of government. It’s like no other place else on earth.  But know this: there is more to the Christian life than voting, and politics.  Don’t let the world system of politics and elections consume you.  Be sure to keep in perspective what Jesus, Paul, and Peter taught.

Jesus:

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do. (John 17:15-16).  As believers we don’t belong to this world system.  We may “participate” in some of the processes of the world because we live here, but make no mistake, we are not of this world neither are we part of the world system.

Paul:

“But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Don’t allow the election and its outcome to absorb you! This is only temporary. Life with Christ is eternal. The point here is to not focus on the temporary, momentary things of this life. Ultimately, life with Christ is all that matters.

Peter:

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.  Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (1 Peter 2:11-12). You may live in America, you may be an “American citizen” but your real home and citizenship is in heaven with Christ.  Here we are just strangers and aliens.

So get out and vote today. But know this, no matter the outcome, God is in control and this is all temporary.

Here’s an excellent article by John Piper on Christians Vote As Though They Were Not Voting.

— Keith