Question: For Whom Should a Christian Vote?

Actually, the question was longer than that, but I'll state it simply. Certainly this is a challenging question, a pertinent and timely one. There are many points to be made. Perhaps a good start is to consider the times in which Jesus and the New Testament writers lived. It can be noted that the Jews didn't have a vote as to who would rule over them; the Romans were in domination and leaders were assigned. Still, as with other subjects that we could consider, the NT gives us direction to help with this. Let's begin with Jesus.

We could ask, WWJD, but better yet, WDJS, what did Jesus say. In Matthew 22:17, the Pharisees were trying to entangle Jesus, so they asked, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" Jesus concluded, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Jesus always taught that people should support the Government. But it is also important to note that Jesus was not about this life, but about the life to come. He wasn't so concerned about physical, but about spiritual. Let's look at other NT passages that offer some direction on this subject:

Romans 13:1-7 begins, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities..." The writer gives plenty of reason as to the benefit of government to the Christian.

Acts 5:29 shows us that when forced by the government to turn from God, we must "..obey God rather than men."

And we learn valuable lessons about our citizenship in Hebrews 11 and in Philippians 3: 20. Hebrews says that we should be like Abraham who realized that he was just a pilgrim here, looking for a better, heavenly city. And Philippians shows that our citizenship, even now, is in heaven.

Perhaps the best verse of all to show our relationship to government is 1 Timothy 2:1-3: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

So here is the conclusion all wrapped up in one nice little bundle:
* Politics is not our main focus
* God through the Bible did not tell us every thought to think. He told us what kind of people to be.
* When we have the opportunity to vote, we should vote for the person who will most allow us to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

Now, if you ask me who that might be in the next election? If you ask, "Should we vote for a Mormon?" or some other rather specific question, the answer, I believe the Biblical answer, is to apply the above verses to your life and make the best decision that you can. And don't expect every Christian to come to the same conclusion. And don't put your conclusions onto others; nor should they judge you in your conclusions. After considering the Bible teaching, we are all on our own regarding this subject. Thanks for reading! May God bless you this week.