There is a debate these days about the role of Christians in government, especially the kind of government in the United States that allows for and encourages participation of the citizenry.
The case could be made Biblically that we, as believers in Jesus have been left here to represent His priorities on this earth. First Corinthians 3 says that we are co-workers in God’s service here. Philippians 2 adds that we are to “be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a warped and crooked generation”. But how does representing Jesus here, intersect with the ballot issues of the day, the candidates and their positions. Well, let’s look at just a few:
Jesus had some pretty strong words regarding the sanctity of life, including what should happen to people who mistreated children. “Let the little children come to me” and “if anyone offends one of these little ones, it would be better for them to be drowned in the sea”. His Word defines traditional marriage, which was God’s idea. The Bible has something to say about punishing evil, about treating people justly and about Jesus’ whole purpose for coming to the earth. From Luke 19, “I have come to seek and to save that which was lost”. I guess we should add freedom to proclaim the Gospel to the list of Jesus’ priorities. When you start looking at what Jesus stood for, it’s easy to see that some of those priorities have fallen on hard political times.
So what can we, as believers in Jesus do about it? In Biblical times, God’s followers had very little influence on who their national leaders were. But today, God has given us the privilege to have a voice in the selection of representatives in positions of power. Some believers may choose to disengage from the political process, but the scripture has something to say about that as well. Luke 12 says, “To whom much is given, much will be required”. We have been given the freedom to influence our nation for Christ. If we choose to disengage, will we not be held accountable? James 4 provides the same answer in stronger terms. “To the one who knows the good he should do and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin!”
It sounds like we need to use the freedom and the influence we’ve been given (as dual citizens of Heaven and of the United States of America), to represent God’s priorities here where He has placed us.
If you don’t know where the candidates or parties stand on issues of importance to Heaven, that’s ok; you can get up to speed by checking out the voter’s guide links on PRAY VOTE STAND. Remember, it’s not about party or personality, it’s about where the candidates stand on the issues God deems most important. Do they line up with His priorities? Once you’ve been informed, let your voice be heard. On November 3rd make a difference and vote, for Heaven’s sake!
