Why Should Believers Care About Elections?

I am often asked some version of this question as I interact with other pastors and their congregations throughout the Buckeye State. 

Usually after the hot air balloon of high expectations runs out of fuel and craters into the ground of reality.

I can tell you why they matter to ME. And, like most things which matter to US, we often want them to matter to others. As you examine this list of simple bullet-points, do so honestly and not through the lens of a preconceived position – regardless of where it lies. The totality of this answer has two equally-important sides, so I’ll first state what elections ARE NOT.

ELECTIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CHANGE SOCIETY. Every society which true Christianity has changed has not been done by legislation but by the godly lives of believers which matched their message. An entire society or generation can only be changed one soul at a time. “People of faith” will not have the same effect upon others as “sinners saved by grace” will. Religious ambiguity, intentional double-speak and an abhorrence of rejection have never been the passions which inflamed our pulpits, persuaded sinners or burned in the souls of martyrs. The candidates we elect and the legislation we pass are only a reflection of what our society already is. Jesus Christ is still the only answer.

ELECTIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR GIVING THE GOSPEL. The Great Commission has not changed and never will; the edicts of Christ cannot be substituted according to our own tastes like items ordered from a menu. Honestly, some Christians would rather get involved in the political arena than personally speak to someone about Jesus Christ.

ELECTIONS WILL NOT MAKE/KEEP AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION. Historically, legally and honestly, the United States of America was founded as a Christian nation with the intent of existing as a Christian nation. “Christian” in the truest sense is a humble and sincere attempt to be like Christ. The majority of those fifty-six brave men who affixed their signatures to that parchment declaring our independence from England were devoutly dedicated to Bible principles; nearly every institution of higher education in that era required a high degree of Bible literacy and instruction. Do the popular choices of entertainment, our daily routines, the average conversation and general lifestyles of our citizens today reveal a heart-felt religious dedication or humble attitude toward God and His blessings? America no longer behaves like a Christian nation and elections will not change that reality.

ELECTIONS ARE NOT A MEASURE OF MY SUCCESS OR FAILURE. I am not prohibited to be involved in my temporal civic duties on earth because of my permanent citizenship in heaven. As long as I keep my Lord first in service and in obedience, I can also be as involved in “politics” as much as my schedule and spiritual obligations allow. If my candidate does not win it does not mean that I have failed. As a believer I will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for every idle word spoken – let alone those opportunities to make my “voice” heard for God. My vote is a voice that I have, I want to use it and not be guilty of ignoring it.

ELECTIONS CANNOT PRODUCE A CHRISTIAN UTOPIA. The Lord Jesus Christ is now already – and will one day be revealed as – the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He will rule over the earth one day. Even then the kings and nations will reject Him as soon as they believe they have the military strength to do so. Mankind is not basically good – we are fundamentally evil. Redemption through the blood of Christ is the only basis for true change, a change that begins within and then is revealed outwardly.

ELECTIONS WILL NOT PREVENT GOD’S TIMETABLE OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY. I believe that the prophecies in the New Testament will ALL come true. I’m truly not a pessimist, wallowing in a “doom and gloom” quagmire like Pilgrim’s Slough of Despond; I think it’s exciting to watch the signs of the coming of Christ become more obvious with each passing day! While I also know the stories of Abraham & Sodom, Jonah & Nineveh and other wonderful examples of God’s mercy and grace – they were opportunities of God’s judgement being dissuaded, not of His prophecies being annulled.

I participate in elections and the process for a few reasons also because of what they ARE.

ELECTIONS AFFECT MY DAILY FREEDOMS. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 command that we should pray for all in authority so we may live quiet and peaceable lives and have to opportunity to freely proclaim the Gospel. In the past eight years in our Statehouse in Columbus I have heard ideologies from both citizens and legislators intended to thwart our religious liberties. Political positions which are blatantly unscriptural are becoming more popular with each General Assembly. If God will give me grace to do so, I will preach the Gospel whether I am in prison or not – but most likely more will hear it if I’m free to go to them than if I have to wait for them to come to me. For any believer passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is the underlying necessity to preserve our freedoms – not for our convenience or comfort but that the preaching of the cross would be freely given.

ELECTIONS ARE MORE SCRIPTURAL THAN YOU MAY THINK. Romans 13 tells us regarding the role of government, “the powers that be are ordained of God,” and that a ruler is “the minister of God.” Where does that God-ordained power rest, legally, in our constitutional republic? It resides with us, the people. Who appoints the rulers to minister over us? We, the people, do in our elections. For believers in the United States, Chapter Thirteen of Romans is NOT a passage of passivity but one filled with activity and opportunity. We have the great blessing to determine who will literally be “all that are in authority.”

I CAN ENCOURAGE OTHER BELEIVERS. God calls some believers into a specific ministry. Those who hold public office are also described in the Bible as a minister fulfilling a particular role which God intends them to fill. I believe God calls some believers to the role of government for them to stand in the gap and make a difference. I can encourage those specific believers just like I would any believer in my church through prayer, interaction, encouragement and giving my funds and my time to assist them in their campaigns and duties.

I AM OBLIGATED AS A CHRISTIAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THEM. While it was not the focus of Paul’s ministry – he did claim the rights of his Roman citizenship when it was necessary. I believe voting is a necessary duty and it is consistent with the teaching of God’s Word.

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR MY PRIVILEGE TO VOTE. Our nation had to go to war to become free and we have endured wars to keep us from being enslaved by nations which oppose our freedoms. The next time you think an election is an activity not worth our time or energy – visit a military cemetery and read the markers of sons, daughters, husbands, dads and moms who have died to keep us free.

Please avoid the temptation to twist my words or warp my statements into a message I did not give. James teaches us that faith should exist with works – not that the works are more important than faith or that they should exist without it. Our works complement our faith. John’s epistle reminds us that our brethren need spiritual encouragement, but they also require physical food. The physical is never more important than the spiritual, but meeting physical needs is a tangible way to display spiritual affection. It’s with that same understanding I am involved in the political arena, it does not mean that I have forsaken God’s call, quenched His Spirit or ignored His Word. In fact those are the very principles which promote me to make an attempt to bring true Christianity into this sphere.

It IS better to trust in the Lord than to trust in princes, but Proverbs also reminds us of the blessing of the king’s favor, too. We CAN love the Lord fervently and still be involved in the arena of politics. I find nowhere in Scripture that it must be an “either or” prospect. Involvement in our elections does not equate to being aloof in spiritual graces or uninvolved in advancing the Gospel.

I understand. We get weary of the lies, disappointed by flip-flopping candidates, frustrated by media bias and angered by abuses of power. But we walk away from this opportunity of participation at our own peril and our concessions may likely contribute to creating a nation in which our children and grandchildren find it much more difficult to serve our Lord.