I can’t count the number of ads, text messages, emails from every candidate running for any and all offices across the country, not to mention all the anger and dispute we hear via the media … it drives me nuts!. Every election season I think, “this is it, it will end after election day” … but it never does.
Then I saw an article this week that a majority of Christians are expected NOT to vote in the general election. I can understand their frustration, but I don’t believe in their decision to act … voting by not voting. It leads me to think of the comment, “The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing” (attributed to Edmund Burke).
Not voting is never an option. As believers we are called to be good and godly citizens (Romans 13:1-7). Unlike others around the world, believers in America enjoy the freedom to vote and freedom to participate in our nation’s governance. God is calling more believers into public service than are answering his call, and he is calling us all to vote, but who do we vote for?
Before heading to the polls, ask yourself which candidate is most likely to lead in accordance with God’s Kingdom purposes? Research your options; learn the candidates’ positions; seek His guidance. Then get in your car and go vote as though the election depends on you, and pray for the winners as though their effectiveness depends on God.
While you research, what does the Bible say regarding pertinent issues relative to our current culture?
Free Exercise of Religion: “Peter and the apostles answered: ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:29)
Free Speech: “You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.” (Ezekiel 2:7)
Sanctity of Human Life: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
Education: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Border Security: “Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” (Psalm 122:7)
Family & Parental Rights: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
How should believers approach the 2024 election? With realistic expectations (“None is righteous, no, not one.” – Romans 3:10); with discernment (“But test everything; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21); with obedience (“Faith without works is dead.” – James 2:26); with neighborly love and global compassion (“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Proverbs 31:8); with eternal perspective (“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20).
Remember Jesus’ words: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Jesus said that not to political leaders, but to Christians. Stay focused on your Kingdom mission and align most with those who will most likely advance it. You can either be a light bulb or a laser—the choice is yours.
I can’t tell you how many people ask who my husband and I are voting for and why we don’t put a political yard sign in our yard. Here’s our response: “We are voting for the candidate whom we believe most closely follows our values and the precepts laid out in the Bible … we vote principles, not personality.” And as for the sign in our yard? Well, the Cross of Jesus Christ is the best yard sign we could ask for.
Now, prepare to vote!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: Christians in culture, elections and voting, Jesus, purpose and calling, scripture
