It is beyond me why any Christ believer would sit out or not vote in an election. Because if you choose to not vote, you forfeit any right to speak into the governing of your nation, state, or local government or for that matter, enter political issue discussions. Today we can literally see the results of what happens to nations who either lose their vote in the political process or never had one. I have traveled to a number of those nations, and the results are total loss of freedoms, extreme hardship and control, and/or poverty. Why risk that?

Christians are not voting for persons who fully represent Christ; that’s not the point. There is not a perfect politician, but we know what God’s word says about morality, character, and values. When the church votes, we are not becoming political; we’re engaging in backing those who stand with our values and beliefs. It’s a right that has been given to us and it’s right to give God thanks for such a privilege.

I hear Christians and non-Christians bashing those who voted for a candidate who they believe is in the wrong party. I have heard the world claiming that the church should not speak to political issues. There are even certain denominations who look down upon those who enter the political mountain because they feel called by God to be there.

If our government never entered into social issues like abortion, redefining marriage, and going as far as indoctrinating school children with certain moral beliefs, then I would agree with abstaining. That, however, is not the case.

God created the earth and those who live in it and having a say in who governmentally oversees that life on earth is not a political persuasion, but rather a biblical mandate. It is not a certain political platform (for perhaps no political candidate ever holds perfectly to biblical values); it is about personal values and beliefs.

To give you one clear example: If God created marriage, then it is our responsibility to hold to the marriage God created and to protect it from differing definitions created by politicians who think they can redefine God’s creative act. Not one single politician, including a president or a political platform gave definition to marriage–God did.

Those who lead our nation matter. That means elections and your vote matters. We dare not stay silent. Josh Howerton, senior leader of Lakepoint Church in Rockwell, Texas says, “We do not recruit Jesus into our party; we submit every party, candidate, and issue to Him. You are not pledging allegiance to a party; you are stewarding a responsibility on behalf of your King. Your Biblical convictions should shape your vote.”

There have been, there are, and there will be plenty of evil and wicked rulers in our nation(s). Jesus called them “blind guides” (Matthew 15:14). We’re not wrestling with them (Ephesians 6:2); we’re identifying those who follow their father, the devil (John 8:44), and not God. Every option we have is imperfect, but not every option is totally flawed. God can use a flawed leader for good, but a wicked leader is rarely used for good. It’s simply not in their heart.

We do not ignore character in our voting, but where a politician stands on certain policies can outweigh character flaws. There were plenty of flawed leaders in the Bible, but God was able to use even them to bring about His will on the earth.

Prayerfully watch and be on the lookout “For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.” (Isaiah 9:16)

And when you vote remember this:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me [Jesus]. (Matthew 28:18)

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. (Proverbs 21:1)

When we are given the opportunity to vote for a godly candidate and they can win, the spiritual atmosphere can change. There can be a greater level of peace and prosperity.

Please exercise the privilege and the responsibility you have to vote!