To Vote or Not to Vote

To vote or not to vote. That is the dilemma among some Christians.

Some staunchly defend one or another candidate while believing such a candidate can remedy our nation’s problems. Of course, Christ followers know that Jesus is the answer. But until He returns, we remain — like it or not — a part of the body politic.

Every four years comes the appeal for Christians to do their civic duty and vote. And every four years, millions do not. According to http://www.myfaithvotes.org, 25 million Christians registered to vote do not vote. Another 65 million do not vote in local elections. And 15 million Christians are not even registered to vote. (Regarding local voting, how many Christians should not only vote, but also run for office and thus help stem the leftist tide in many school districts?)

The term “civic duty” may sound repugnant to some since it is equated with politics; however, this is the system God has ordained (Rom. 13).

There are some single-issue voters who will refrain from voting at all because of a certain position a candidate holds. Abortion is such an issue that can disqualify any candidate in the minds of some. More on that in a minute.

Those who vote reluctantly with noses pinched parrot the common mantra of voting for the lesser of two evils. And others may accuse them of compromising their values.

Romans 13:1 is instructive in the matter: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

So, did God approve of the regimes of Hitler, Stalin, Marx, Castro, or Pol Pot? No. God is not responsible for the abuse of the authority they had.

Nonetheless, knowing that “the authorities that exist are appointed by God” should behoove Christians to vote within our system of government. In that respect, Christians not only have the privilege of voting but are duty bound to do so.

Christians should thus refuse the lesser of two evils notion and rather vote for the candidate that will accomplish the most good.

Abstainers who see elections as choosing between differing levels of evil must realize that not voting for one candidate is de facto support for the other.

Those who are bothered by each candidates’ warts should judge them by their accomplishments and policies and not upon their personal lives or personality.

While trying to avoid sounding partisan, some pro-life voters will not vote for Trump because he holds to the three prominent and popular exceptions to abortion. But, in so doing, they ensure that millions more babies’ lives will be snuffed out on the altar of convenience all for the sake of their commitment never to vote for any candidate unless he or she is thoroughly pro-life. This is sort of like saying, “If I can’t have Surf and Turf, then I just won’t eat.”

All other apprehensions notwithstanding, when Christians pull the lever in November, vote for life (babies) and for the candidate whose track record bodes the greatest good for our nation.

Proverbs 29:2 is also instructive. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

Aren’t you tired of groaning?

Norm Miller can be contacted at [email protected]