Voting as a Christian
God's Word helps us think through the issues related to voting as a Christian.
One of the most common misperceptions about Christian voters in America is that we are two-issue voters, that is, we simply vote for the candidates who oppose abortion and homosexuality. Last week over 30 pastors stood up on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” and defied the U.S. tax code, stating plainly that any good Christian will vote for the candidate who is pro life. Is responsible, God-pleasing selection of a candidate really that simple? Do abortion and homosexuality trump all of the other issues our country is facing now and must face in the future?
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This e-mail devotion contains excerpts of a sermon I wanted to share with you from a Lutheran sermon series program called Message from the Master. You can obtain the entire sermon, and other sermons about patriotism and politics for Christians at http://www.messagefromthemaster.com/. Other sermon titles include, “Separation of Church and State,” “A Christian View of War,” and “The Church and Social Reform.” Message from the Master is a WELS sermon ministry. Anyone around the world may download the sermons, receive them on CD, e-mailed as a document, or printed and mailed. Supplemental Bible studies on each sermon are also available. FREE BONUS! Go to the web site and download or stream Music for the Master, a weekly devotion based on the Scripture readings for each Sunday of the church year. INTRODUCTORY OFFER! Free sermons are available for a limited time from previous series on all twelve minor prophets, the Lutheran confessions, and divine providence.
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God’s Word helps us think through the issues related to voting as a Christian, understand the kind of impact Christians can have in our voting and political activism, and make decisions about each of them based on faith in God and Christian love for humanity.
The Emperor of the Roman Empire during Paul’s ministry in the early church was Nero. During his reign Christians were hunted, tortured, and killed. Paul himself would later suffer martyrdom. If that is the only issue to determine the value of government, then the Roman Empire was a complete failure. However, the role of government is not to convert the people to Christianity or to force Christian morals and beliefs on its citizens.
When Christians vote for a mayor or a district judge or a president, we can do better than cast a two-issue vote based only on abortion and homosexuality. Responsible, Christian voting will remember the purpose of government and that even non-Christian government leaders can succeed in creating improved peace and good order in our society and world.
A major election in our country is less than a month away. It monopolizes the media and creates coffee break conversations where Christians have the opportunity to share our beliefs. The myth that you don’t talk about religion or politics is based on misperceptions like the one I mentioned at the beginning of this devotion. People don’t want Christians to beat them over the head with the Bible, but they are willing to listen to reasonable assertions about what we believe is best for humanity and why.
So think about this: why you vote and how you explain your choice to others in Octobermay have as much of a Christian influence on the people in your life than whom you vote for in November. Get to know all the issues, not just one or two, and with an open mind make your choice to vote based on God’s purpose for government, not just his purpose for the church.
PRAYER: Thank you, God, for establishing governments and for blessings America with religious freedom. Bless our leaders, and all the candidates campaigning for election. Give wisdom to voters as we determine our choices responsibly, and place your guiding hand on history being made in this election. Amen.