Whom should I vote for? What is the role that religion should play in the life of an elected official? Do you want them to vote on the basis of his faith? Might a person’s beliefs cause you not to vote for him? Is one party better than the other? These are all pressing questions that beg for an answer, and are vital in knowing how to conduct oneself as we fulfill our civic responsibility of voting in this constitutional republic; the United States of America.
First of all, in the God-ordained institution of human government, how the elected official conducts himself is determined by his worldview. Your worldview is like a pair of glasses through which you view the world around you, and it influences how you think, act, vote, etc. Pastor Timothy Board said, *“Everyone has a worldview regardless of whether they think they do or not, and if we aren’t intentional in building a Biblical Christian worldview, we will still have a worldview, but it will not be the right one.”
Because the Lord God created the universe about 6,000 years ago, out of nothing, in 6 literal 24-hour days, He gets to make the rules, not us. God has given us a book; the Bible, which is the inspired Word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim.3:16), in which He tells us how He designed life to work. The Biblical Christian worldview is the correct worldview because it is the only one which is in accordance with Holy Scripture. And any worldview that is not based on God’s Word, is based on man’s word, which is fallible and untrustworthy. So, keep this in mind as you go to the ballot box.
Secondly, when you come to vote, do research to see what they (the candidate who is running for office), and their party (probably Republican or Democrat) stand for. Does it line up with what the Bible says, or is it in opposition? This is very important, and we cannot blindly listen to what the candidate might say, we must critically see if what the person is saying is truth or lies. And yes, if a person has a worldview, and stands for things that are not good, that may cause me to not vote for him.
Now I know that it can be hard because no one is perfect and not everyone holds to truth, but we must vote for the person whose principles are the closest to what the Bible says. And abstaining from voting is not responsible and is a dereliction of your civic duty to vote. Millions of people around the globe would give anything to have the rights and freedoms that you have. But sadly, many times we can forget about all of those who have given their all to uphold these things we hold so dear, and we forget what a privilege it is to be able to have a say in our government.
In closing, always remember, and never forget, that everyone has a worldview which influences everything they say and do, also that we have a responsibility to vote for those persons whose beliefs are most closely aligned with truth as defined by the Word of God. We must always pray for all of our elected officials, and to remind them of, and hold them accountable to truth. Finally, in light of all this, may we always keep at the forefront of our mind that our vote makes a difference, and that we, through that means and others, must courageously stand for truth and righteousness in the public and private arena, so help us God.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made…for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence…this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV
*This quote is taken from most all of his sermons. I kid you not. Well, maybe a little bit.
P.S. I (Tim) originally heard that quote from John Stonestreet of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.
