A Christian's Perspective On Voting

A Christian’s Perspective on Voting

Prov 14:34 & Prov 29:2

Introduction

Well, Election Day is upon us and there are some things that are worth remembering when it comes to voting

This Tuesday, Nov 2, is Election Day and it has been termed by some as one of the most important election days in our nation’s history

I am a preacher and not a politician, so I plan to preach this morning and not talk about politics

And the ACLU has many a preacher scared to say anything from the pulpit but I’m not one of them

I will not endorse any candidate or any party this morning but here’s what I will do

I want us to look at, in accordance with the Bible, “A Christian’s Perspective on Voting”

In other words, God will hold us accountable one day for how we did or for that matter, did not vote

Passages

Prov 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Prov 29:2 “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (NLT)

Pray

TRANS: So the first question to ask this morning is…

1. Why Vote?

Turn to Matt 22:17 & 21

As an American citizen, it is a given right for you and I to be able to vote

But as Christians, it is not just a right, but it is a responsibility

We have been given a voice to let our desires be heard for who we want as leaders

Jesus says we are to render unto the government what is the governments

And this Tuesday, that rendering is to be done by voting.

If you don’t take the time to vote, you’re vote will be given to who you don’t want in office

TRANS: The second question is…

2. What Are the Issues?

For many voters, the things that they think are at stake are issues that deal with the economy…healthcare…taxes

Even for many Christian voter’s, when ask, say that economic issues are more important than moral issues

I want you to know that there is no biblical support for that view or stance

In fact, let’s look at what Jesus said in Matt 6:25-33

The disciples were worried about where they would get their clothing and food and shelter

But Jesus said, don’t worry about your economical situation but rather first you are to seek righteousness

Then, all these things (economic issues) will be taken care of

In other words “cool it” God provides for the birds and the lilies of the field

If they will seek righteousness first, then all the other “stuff” will be taken care of as well

Economic prosperity is actually a fruit of righteousness…again the bible gives us clear guidance to seek God first and His righteousness

And all the economic stuff will be taken care of

TRANS: So then what issues do I vote for…

3. Vote for Righteousness

Remember Our passage in Prov 29:2 says again “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (NLT)

We have a voice and we choose who is put into office…whether good or bad

This principle was well articulated over a century ago by our 20th President, James A. Garfield in 1876

By the way, President Garfield was also a minister of the gospel in the second great awakening

Garfield said this “Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these qualities to represent then in national legislature.”

He is absolutely right…the values of Congress are not a good reflection of the people…only of those that have voted or not voted to put them there

This is why Congress seems so out of step with the rest of the country

Returning to President Garfield, and looking ahead to where we are right now in this generation…he forewarned us

“If the next centennial(that’s us) does not find us a great nation, it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces”

Nobody better represents the enterprise, the culture or morality than does the church

And we are the ones who have to aid in controlling the political forces

And there have been many who have been praying for this election…but we must do more than pray

As founding father John Hancock reminded us two centuries ago “I urge you, by all that is dear, by all that is honorable, by all that is sacred, not only that ye pray but also that ye act”