During my daily commute to and from work the past few weeks, I have been struck by the sheer numbers of election posters at virtually every major intersection. Frankly, they remind me how blessed we are to live in America. Just think how few people over the entire course of history—from the time of Adam—have had the opportunity to choose their leaders. And you and I can do just that simply by voting.
I’m also aware that there are some Christians who think that because God is in control of everything, that voting is irrelevant. If you have questions about whether voting is important or even necessary, I’d like to suggest an excellent book by Kenneth Wilson, The Moral Mandate to Vote. I happen to know that Dr. Wilson is a strong believer and several years ago he was a guest on my Renewal Radio program.
Above and beyond the act of voting, the Bible makes it clear that Christians are to pray for government leaders no matter how good or bad those leaders might be. Consider that when Paul instructed Timothy to pray for government leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-7) for the sake of the work of the Gospel, the chief government leader of his day was the wicked and vile Emperor Nero.
If you would like to learn more about this important subject, please refer to my Life Essentials Study Bible, 1 Tim. 2:1-2, Principle #4, p. 1675. You can also find this principle by clicking on the “Principle Finder” tab at the top of the home page of bibleprinciples.org. You will see that in addition to this principle in Timothy there are seven other principles listed under the general heading of “Government.” Also, note that every one of the principles in the Principle Finder offers access to where I teach these principles to a live audience.
Perhaps you are wondering how you should cast your vote. If so, my answer is simply that you should do some homework and vote for those whose values are closest to yours. Personally, I encourage you to vote your conscience while you trust God to work out the details that are beyond your control and mine. As Christians, remember that no matter what the outcome of any election, God is sovereign and promises us ultimate victory.