Should A Christian Vote?

It's time for another presidential election. It seems only like yesterday that we just had one in the United States. After the 2012 election, the media already has a list of names as to who will run for president of the United States.

As Christians, we place our faith in an Almighty, Sovereign God who rules this world in spite of the chaos that is in it. We do not place our faith in the government though we do not consider the government evil in itself. The Bible says, "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1). God in his sovereignty has put people in political power for His purposes that are unknown to us.

So, the question is, as we enter another presidential election year, should Christians vote? Let me begin by saying there is no command in Scripture for followers of Christ to vote for their political leaders. In fact, it was not common back in the day. Christians in American have a unique gift that many people in the world do not have.

We see a lot of injustice in the world especially in America, and there might be a suitable candidate that will take action to make sure justice is taken. Many Christians might sit out of the election because politics is not their thing. However, many will voice their opinion in politics are ones who did not vote because they see no point in their choice yet they are making their voice heard as to who they want to see elected.

To answer this question come with a lot of complexity. I see why some Christians do not want to vote and I see why we should. Yes, we should faith in our God who knows all and sees all. I do not think sitting this election, or any election, out is the right thing to do. As a Christian living in America, I praise God for the men and women who fought for our freedom, past and present. I had several members of my extended family serve in the military and some that are currently serving right now. Majority of my brothers and sisters in Christ in the church I am a member of, are retired or current military. They know the sacrifice of fighting for our freedom in the United States.

So your candidate did not win, yes, that might and will happen, but that does not mean you have wasted your time doing a civil duty as an American citizen (Yes, there is no command for civil duty in the Bible), but we, as American citizens, need to do so.

No matter what happens in the 2016 election, we must remember that God is the one who instituted it in the first place as Romans 13:1 says. Yes, that is a difficult truth to accept especially when the person in the White House does not hold the same values as you do. Also remember what the Apostle Peter wrote:

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:13-16).

Russell Moore once said that honor does not mean a blanket endorsement. The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

So as we begin yet another presidential election year, here are a few things we can do. First, pray for the candidates as they campaign. Also pray for those who work for them. Second, pray for President Obama as he finishes his last year as President. Third, pray for yourself in the decision you need to make in voting.

What if you decide not to vote? Well, I never said it was a sin not to vote or a sin to vote. I think you should really think really hard about your decision. Are you not voting because you do not like the candidates or just because you think why bother because all politicians are the same? What are you motives for not voting?