5 Things to Remember Before Believers Cast Their Ballots

After all the shouting voices, the stolen yard signs, and the passive-aggressive (and openly aggressive) Facebook posts, it is here — Election Day. The day the people in our nation make their voices heard by picking our leaders is finally upon us.

Maybe as never before, it seems Christians are having a difficult time discerning exactly what to do with our votes. Believe me, I have struggled with this subject, even to the point of wondering if I should vote at all. I am going to vote, and I am convinced it is important. Most of all, I want to honor Christ in my voting.

If your issue is mine —

Here are some reminders for voters who are followers of Jesus Christ.

Our hope is in Jesus.

As we go to the polls, we should remember our hope is not in elected officials, party platforms, or governmental reforms. Believe it or not, it is not even in America. No, our hope is in Jesus! In the swell of urgent rhetoric, it is tempting to surrender to the feeling that “it all comes down to this!” But, the truth is any government led by any leader other than the King of kings is destined for disappointment. Do not lose sight of the good news — Jesus is our Hope, and our Hope still stands!

Our faith is our guide.

Not our personal faith as in our ability to believe, but rather our faith as in “the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Simply, the truths we hold to as believers, the truths of God’s Word are to be the basis for our decisions in the voting booth (and everywhere else for that matter). How should we vote? For whom should we vote? God’s Word is to be the source we pore over. God’s principles should be the voting guides we study. If that still seems difficult, see the next step.

When we need wisdom, we can ask.

Knowing what to do is hard. Even determining to vote our faith can leave us with daunting decisions to make. What does that even look like — especially today? In the book of James, God gives us a hopeful promise: If we need wisdom, we can just ask Him. Not only will He give it to us, He will give it “without reproach” (James 1:5). We can rest knowing God is more than happy to share with us from His infinite and perfect wisdom. Maybe the greatest lesson we can learn in this process is that God cares enough to lead those who turn to Him. Wow!

The lost world is watching.

Something we need to be sure of: the world is watching us. And, honestly, they aren’t watching for us to do well. They are watching to see if we panic or if we display the peace we proclaim. They are looking to see if we have different priorities or if we are motivated just like they are. They are waiting to see if we will cruelly tear others apart or if the greatest commandment really stands. As we wade through this process, we would do well to remember the peering, skeptical eyes on us. We have the opportunity to let our lights so shine before men that our God is glorified.

This can be an act of worship!

This isn’t just a necessary duty, a chance to voice our opinions, or something to worry ourselves with in order to guard our rights. Actually, this day can be a great act of worship. If we defer to God’s wisdom, seriously carrying it to the Lord in prayer, it is an act of worship. If we consider the lost, watching eyes and attempt to reflect positively on the good reputation of Jesus, it is an act of worship. And, if the entire thing is undertaken to bring Him great glory, it is an act of worship.

And, in the end, we have this hope:

My faith has found a resting place
Not in device nor creed
I trust the Ever-living One
His wounds for me shall plead