2012 Christian Voters Guide

“The Christian Voters Guide”

Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

In just a week our country will be making the most serious decision that it has made in my lifetime when we make the choice about who will lead our nation for the next four years. Not only will we make a decision about who will be president but there are thousands of national, state and local elections that will impact our lives. I’ve had numerous individuals who have asked me personally about how we should decide to vote, and who we should vote for and what a Christian’s responsibility is in this case. Part of being a good Christian is being a good citizen and that means doing certain things set forth in Scripture.

First, we are told to submit to those in authority.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Second, we are told to pray for those in authority and we should, no matter their party affiliation.

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Finally, we are obligated to pay whatever taxes we owe.

Romans 13:6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom

tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Now whether we like it or not these are the only things found in Scripture that deal directly with our responsibilities as citizens. Now we may wish that the Bible was more specific but we need to remember one thing, our chief interest should be in the area of spiritual order not secular or social order. That is not to say that you should not exercise your right to vote, you should be registered to vote and then go to the polls and vote. While there are issues that the Bible does not speak about, there are things that we can apply Biblical principles to. We have an obligation to take a stand for morality and righteousness and in my mind that would include being informed about what candidates stand for and voting for those who support Biblical values and virtues.

First let’s consider the “light” that we have in the Word of God and what it provides.

I. The Revelation We Find

a. Like God’s Word, light gives us discernment

We know how to walk because of the light we receive. For instance, I have hunted for years and if you hunt you know that you have to get out early before daylight. Once when I was going turkey hunting in the Ozark hills I was headed to where I had roosted some turkeys the evening before and was using a small flashlight to find my way. While I was walking I caught a glimpse of something in the light. It was the open mouth of a snake that had struck at me. Needless to say I jumped away from him and proceeded on my way. God’s Word reveals the pitfalls, dangers and hazards as we walk on our journey.

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

b. Like God’s Word, light provides us direction

God’s Word tells us where to walk as well. It provides direction for us. We are to “…walk in the light as He is in the light.”

Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalms 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

c. Like God’s Word, light shows us our duty

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Now let’s look at the “...reproofs of instruction (which) are the way of life…”

II. The Reproof In Focus

I’m only going to focus on just two of the “…reproofs of instruction…” found in the Word of God but I think you will see the point I’m trying to make.

a. The value of life

What should be the Christians position on life inside and outside the womb? First, since the Bible teaches that it is God who gives life, only God has the right decide when life begins and when it should end.