How May We Vote to the Glory of God?

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1, ESV)

 Many people will tell you that on Tuesday, November 3, Americans will participate in the most important election of our time. This will be true, of course, until the next election. How may Christians approach voting to the glory of God? First, we must not forget that we are dual citizens: citizens of heaven and earth. However, we must remember that this world is passing away (1 John 2:17). As Christians, our mission is not to establish Christianity as the state religion; nor is it to impose Christian doctrine through legislation. Our mission is to proclaim the glorious gospel of Christ so that people may be transformed by the power of God to become true worshipers of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, though we are strangers and exiles in this world who are looking for a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:13-16), we do live here for now. So, as American Christians, we should desire for God’s will to be done here on earth as it is being done in heaven (Matt. 6:10), while seeking the welfare of our city and human flourishing. Consequently, like every other earthly citizen in our nation, we have a responsibility to be faithful citizens and vote our convictions.

Every American who steps into the voting booth on Tuesday, November 3, will be guided by his or her personal convictions. As Christians, our convictions are founded upon God’s Word. What does this mean for election day 2020? It means that American Christians have a responsibility to exercise the privileges of our earthly citizenship in a God-glorifying manner: that includes voting. By some estimates, “more than half of the people who attend church don’t vote.” If true, then Christians have no reason to complain about our governing leaders or how our government operates. I want to encourage every citizen to vote according to their convictions on Tuesday, November 3, but I especially want to encourage you to exercise your voting privileges to the glory of God. How should you prepare yourself for election day 2020?

Pray
Confess your sins to God. Ask God to forgive you for all the times you bad-mouthed a candidate or public official. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), but God is just and will forgive us our sins if we confess them (1 John 1:9). Pray for our present government and our governing leaders. The Bible reminds us that we are to pray for those who are in authority over us, whether we voted for them or not, so that we would experience peace (1 Timothy 2:1-8). And pray for wisdom. Ask God to help you make wise decisions in the voting booth.

Become Informed & Vote
Don’t be ignorant about the candidates, and don’t believe everything you hear or read. Do your own research so that you will be informed when you vote. Finally, vote according to your convictions. Keep in mind that in Travis County, early voting in Texas began October 13 and closes on October 30. So, by the time you read this, there may be a few days remaining in the early voting period.
 
Submit to Governing Authorities and Pray for them
Finally, once you find out who our newly elected officials are, begin praying for them no matter who they happen to be. Make a list of the newly elected officials, select a day of the week to pray for them, and pray. Remember, whoever they are, God will have placed them in authority over us to accomplish His ends (Romans 13:1).

Love,

Pastor Juan