Should believers take part in the politics of this world, including elections? What does the Bible say about voting in elections? Nothing specifically. Let’s remember that in the times of Jesus the Jews were under Roman rule and they were not Roman citizens. Therefore they were not permitted to vote. In fact, more Roman citizens couldn’t either. Only the very wealthy were allowed to vote. But we can see that in Acts 6:1-5 that an “election” of sorts did take place.
“Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. And the 12 summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.’ And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.” (NASB77)
It seems that our nation and the whole world is getting further away from God and his teachings. And we are paying for our sins. It’s evident in current events. ISIS, Iran, Russia invading other countries, beheading’s of prisoners of various nations, and even a beheading in America.
A couple of quotes from Mother Teresa are appropriate for our discussion. She said: “The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.” Abortion breaks the most sacred bond, the bond between a mother and her baby, and reduces the sanctity of life to someone’s “choice.” If we are willing to accept abortion then how can we be surprised when one person makes the “choice” that your life must end because you don’t believe what they believe?
It is our duty as Christians and as citizens to participate in the elections. With our vote, we can elect godly men that will make laws that conform to biblical values.Not all are called to be political servants. The majority of us will never hold office but we have an important role to play. We must begin with prayer and discernment. We must educate ourselves on the stances of the candidates and vote accordingly.
