To Vote or Not to Vote, That Is the Question
OK, maybe the decision to vote isn’t quite as important as the decision “to be or not to be” as Shakespeare’s Hamlet posed it. It is not a question of life or death. Still, as Americans, voting is a pretty big deal.
With election day just a few days away, and with many states providing early voting, the time for decisions looms large. Ads for candidates and proposals are everywhere. TV, radio, podcasts, internet and good old-fashioned signs and posters inundate us wherever we go. Often these are personal attacks rather than a presentation of the issues and positions and we’re left to wade through the noise in an effort to make our choices. Of course, sometimes that leads to the question, “should I even bother?”
The scripture makes it clear that we should be subject to governmental authorities. Paul says “let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” (Rms 13:1) and Peter teaches “Submit yourself for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” (1 Pet 2:13) We know that those instructions are not all inclusive. In fact, the Apostles themselves provide examples that there are limits to our subjection to authorities.
Peter and John give us, perhaps, the best example of the limit of authority when they said to the Sanhedrin, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!” (Acts 4:19) In this particular instance, Peter and John were being prohibited from sharing about Jesus. No matter what, we can’t let anyone stop us from doing that: Sharing our faith. But we can also boil down the basic limits of governmental authority from their actions. When earthly authorities contradict God’s instruction, we are not bound to obey them. Simple as that.
Can we say that this subjection to authority applies to voting? No, not really. Voting is not a requirement or responsibility in the sense that it is mandated. I don’t want anyone to misunderstand that I might be suggesting that not voting would be a sin. However, voting is a privilege which our system of government is designed around. And it is a question of impact. Voting provides the most direct way that we, as Christian citizens, can make an impact on our government and how it operates.
T.S. Eliot, the renowned poet and playwright, in his essay “The Idea of a Christian Society”, wrote that Christians were called “collectively to form the conscious mind and the conscience of the nation.” This was not a call to Christian Nationalism or a Christian Nation in the sense of a church state. Rather, I believe, it is a call for Christians to participate. As Christians we have the opportunity to make our society aware of, or awake to, or “conscious” of, the issues around us and be the “conscience” of right and wrong. Perhaps the most powerful way to do that is to vote.
At times the wrong around us seems overwhelming and there is nothing we can do about it. We can never lose sight of the fact that God is in control. Along with the instruction to subject ourselves to authorities we are reminded that “the authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Rms 13:1) We also know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rms 8:28) We can’t despair. God still reigns and will put all things right. Until then, we are privileged to make an impact wherever we can. Voting can be one of those impacts.
At this point you may be waiting for me to tell you how you should vote. I won’t do that! I can tell you that I don’t think that God is either Republican or Democrat despite what others might say. Also, attacking others who may believe differently is rarely helpful. I do not use the word “attacking” by accident. We can certainly have discussions about the issues or candidates but those discussions should always be filled with gentleness and respect. Count to ten or walk away if you need to. If we approach discussions with gentleness and respect they may even lead to bigger discussions on spiritual matters. Why you believe as you do and so on. Don’t spoil the opportunity. We can’t let attitudes interfere with relationships or our opportunities to share our faith. Some people just won’t listen. That’s true. But let it never be because of our attitude.
At the end of the day, do the best you can to know the issues and the candidates. Vote according to your conscience in conjunction with what you believe God’s will is. Finally, as with all things in our lives, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)
Dave Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. Follow Dave on Substack.
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