How to Vote Biblically
It seems that the “way of the world” is to vote according to ‘left wing’ or ‘right wing’ philosophies. Whatever ones opinion or preference is, there are some clear Scriptural guidelines for government leaders. In a democracy, we get to be part of that process by casting a vote. This is not only a civic duty but a spiritual responsibility.
Biblical Qualifications for government leaders
Exodus 18:21 “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Deuteronomy 1:13 ‘Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’
1. Fear God. …such as fear God…
We cannot truly know what’s in a person’s heart but we do have a biblical basis to look at their fruit.
Romans 2:21-23 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
- How does the person respond to issues of faith?
- Is there any sense of them honoring/dishonoring your faith as they decide policy?
- How does their response/attitude affect my freedom to worship/express my faith?
Do they demonstrate a fear of God (with respect to our Judeo Christian perspective).
2. Upright Character. …men of truth, hating covetousness…
We could possibly argue that politics almost requires candidates to not conform to this. On both sides on the aisle, this is a rare quality. We need to ask, “Have they kept their word”?
We hear politicians claim to have been evolving on some issues. “evolve” – A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex form.
Truth is eternal! James 1:17 …no shadow (shades) of turning…
How does their track record stack up against the Ten Commandments?
3. Wisdom and discernment. …wise understanding and knowledgeable men…
Sons of Issachar – it’s not enough to know what is going on, we need to know what to do about it!
We have an overflow of KNOWLEDGE today but not a lot of wisdom and understanding on how to use that knowledge best!
There are two sources of wisdom according to James 3:13-17
Wisdom from above – it is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Wisdom that is NOT from above – earthly (natural), sensual, and demonic
We need to ask the Holy Spirit for help in discerning where their wisdom comes from if not from God!
Remember ANY human government will have flaws and sadly sometimes the best choice is not perfect – you may have to give some to get some! So decide first what the NON NEGOTIABLE areas are.
We are not voting for a pastor, or an elder, or a deacon of a church.We are voting for politicians/governmental leaders. It is wrong of us to expect civic leaders to do the work of the ministry – that is up to the members of the Body of Christ.
By choosing wisely, we can choose candidates that will raise the standard BUT THAT DOES NOT DIMINISH OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO:
- Be vigilant
- Pray
- Evangelize
- Do the work of the ministry
If the people of God don’t work/respond to uphold these standards, the world system will impose their values on us
E.g parable of the trees Judges 9 – options to choose right and wrong leaders and the consequences.
Moral, religious and civic/social responsibility
Joshua issued a challenge to the people when he was leader of Israel – choose you this day, as for me and my house
Elijah did the same on Mt Carmel. Make a choice but make it on clear evidence – not some ideal or unfounded preference.
Examples of moral, religious and civic issues (some of these issues may cross over)
Civic:
- Standards for production, commerce.
- Immigration, health care provision
Religious:
- Free societies don’t limit your practice of religion unless it is harmful to someone else.
- E.g. you can be a pagan but in this country you cannot practice human sacrifice.
- E.g. legal age for marriage is different here than India or Middle East.
Moral:
Whatever your stance on any moral issue may be, “inclusivity” and “tolerance” are NOT the final Biblical standards.
- Homosexual marriage; abortion; “transgenders”;
- Leaders in the church need to understand that the debate on the legitimacy of this lifestyle is coming to their sanctuaries,
- Gallup Poll of 121,290 in the USA revealed 3.4% identified as LGBT yet this issue is being played like the majority of our nation will be disenfranchised if we keep marriage between one man and one woman!
- If we don’t face the issue now and provide a moral compass for our society we will ultimately face the battle later – and at a greater price.
- If we let the politicians decide on this (or any) issue, they will listen to the lobby with the most to offer them!
We have to bring the Biblical worldview to everything we touch and if it happens to affect an election or the way you vote, fine. You should vote Biblically!
It is not too late for the church to rise up again. It is not too late for an awakening to come to this nation again. It is not too late to seek the Lord.
We need to heed the call of Joel 2:12-13 “Now therefore turn to me with all your heart with fasting, with weepings, and with mourning. So rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and of great kindness. And He relents from doing harm.”
It is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base [most of] their decisions on the whole counsel of Biblical principles, will protect all peoples religious freedoms and the right to express those beliefs.