Kingdom Voting (Part 8): Your Spiritual Duty

Millions of Christians do not vote, and those that do rarely cast an informed ballot. Many voters believe they are fulfilling their “civic duty” by voting, but actually have no idea who or what is on the ballot. People generally think they know more than they do, and so they vote confidently. Yet political researchers have found that up to 82% of voters would vote differently if they had more accurate information before casting their ballots. When you add the millions of votes cast in ignorance to those who skip the downballot contests or abstain from voting entirely, it paints a clear and sobering picture: Ignorance is the chief determinant of our nation’s future.

Voting in ignorance is not the bare minimum, but it actively undermines other voters who are exercising their political authority in a way that honors God. Can you imagine the harm caused by a driver who does not understand how the steering wheel and pedals work in a car?  Even if every other driver did things the right way, there would probably be a lot of damage. The state would never license someone that ignorant because of the danger it poses for others. Yet millions of people try to steer the country with the same amount of ignorance in every election. Ignorant votes dilute the power of informed ones.

What is the solution? An effective electorate is one in which there are more knowledgeable voters than ignorant ones. This is more than a civic duty, because it affects how you and other believers exercise their authority in government. It is a sacred spiritual duty, and Christians must take it seriously. Colossians 3:23 says believers are to do everything “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” That includes voting. Are you voting heartily? Do you know what races and referenda are on the ballot before you walk into the polling place? Do you know who the candidates are and the platforms they represent? If not, then you are surrendering the authority God has given you to exercise, and you may be unknowingly working against fellow believers who are honoring God with their votes.

As a kingdom citizen residing in a constitutional republic, you need to exercise your authority on the earth by voting for candidates, platforms, and policies that are biblical and advance kingdom interests. This requires prayer, preparation, and wisdom, but it allows you to honor God and love your neighbor with your vote. So vote biblically, and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same.