This is the last of four articles on the topic of Christians and voting. In a republic like the United States, the constitutional position of power is the citizenry. In other words, the government derives its authority from the people. Unlike billions of people around the globe, Americans control their political future through the ballot box. So, the operation of our government and how intrusive it becomes in our lives, is in our hands!  Hence, voting is a serious responsibility!

The implications are even more significant when considered together with Paul’s teaching on the purpose of government in Romans 13. Government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil. God intends for the government to wield the sword for the administration of JUSTICE. By voting, Christians are delegating their ‘sword-bearing’ responsibility to officials who govern in their behalf. Viewed in that light, voting becomes a matter of stewardship; and failure to vote is a failure to exercise God-given authority.

It is a fact that the United States as a Superpower has far-reaching influence around the world. How can Christians properly show love for the people of all nations without demonstrating a vested interest in how our government engages the issue of religious liberty and human rights worldwide? Should Christians not want America’s leaders and ambassadors to be stalwart defenders of religious freedom around the globe? Those who support missionaries should care deeply about international religious freedom, an area of advocacy where the United States is able to exert significant influence. Then there is the issue of abortion, which is often advanced under the euphemism of “family planning.” Will abortion be funded overseas by American taxpayers, or will American foreign policy value the life of the unborn? American Christians, by exercising their right to vote, can have a direct say in these crucial matters.

In light of all the above, we can see how important it is for Christians to vote! Christian pastors also have a responsibility. They should encourage their members to be involved in the political process and to vote thoughtfully. And they should do more than that! Pastors should help educate and equip their members to think Biblically about moral issues, the candidates and party platforms.  Party platforms can aid believers in making discerning judgments regarding who to vote for. Think of a party platform as a proposed governing philosophy, giving a glimpse of how a political party prioritizes issues on which the Bible clearly speaks.

Compelled by a desire to be good stewards of our God-given civic responsibilities and to show genuine love for our global neighbors, Christians must engage in the political process. This requires that we wrestle with the moral issues of our day and follow our Christian convictions to their logical end by voting for candidates and proposed policies that support clear Biblical values. May God move you to share with your fellow Christians the importance of voting and the Biblical concerns each should take into consideration before they do.

Pr. Ray Ballmann
Glen Rose, Texas