I have been hearing from many believers that their consciences will not let them vote in the current election for either candidate. I understand how you feel because my conscience began to bother me about my political choices in the 1980’s.  So I did a study of Scripture about the purpose of government from God’s point of view and my responsibility as a citizen.

We are told in I Peter 2 that one of the purposes of government is to punish those who do evil, and reward those who do good.  The other passage is found in I Timothy chapter 2 where it says we are to pray for our leaders that we may live a quiet and peaceable life, godly and dignified in every way.  So in the 1990’s I began to look at my responsibility to vote in this way.  Which vote will move the country in the direction that Christians may lead quiet and peaceable lives, godly and dignified in every way?  Only once in my adult life have I been able to vote for a political candidate about whom I could say this person’s worldview, mindset, and character are something I can endorse.  I realized that the day would come when I could not vote for an individual, but I did not want the depravity of our nation depriving me of my vote.

I would never urge you to go against your conscience, because the Bible clearly says whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  But if you find yourself in the same situation as I found myself, ask yourself this question:  Will my not voting move our country in the direction that I would want it to go?  If not, then use your vote to move the country in the direction you think it should go.  Notice, I have not encouraged you to vote or not to vote if that is your conviction.  I have not suggested anyone for whom you should vote because, as a believer, I want you to be a good steward of the citizenship with which God has entrusted you.

And finally, the reason I’m more concerned about the stewardship of your citizenship than I am about the election is because of Daniel chapter 4.  Remember the story?  Nebuchadnezzar had become proud because of all his accomplishments, and so God allowed him to act like an animal, eating grass for seven years.  He gives the reason for doing so in verse 17 …to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of men.  So ultimately God will determine who wins this election, not our vote.  So please prayerfully consider the stewardship God has entrusted you with, and use your voting opportunity to glorify God.

If you have any questions, drop me a note at heritagebaptistnorthsioux.com.  

Have you prayed for your governmental leaders today?

Pastor Larry

(Used with permission.)