SPECIAL REPORT: Why Should Christians Vote? @XclusiveGospel
The topic of voting for the christian is one that we need not be shy about because it is so important at this day and age which we live in. Its the right of the christian to vote equally as any other person out there. So why do Christians tend to alienate themselves from the responsibility of voting. What is the reason for this? Well, some feel its based on our beliefs and teachings and that since they belong to heavenly world, why should they interfere in the course of earthly things. This is a wrong way to think. Others think, their votes don’t count because the voting process is corrupt and unjust. The last reason why Christians don’t vote is just a laziness to exercise their rights to vote. Whatever reason it is, the major question that is widely asked is “Does God expect Christians to vote?”
Our opinion is that it’s the duty and responsibility of every Christian to exercise their right to vote and to vote for leaders who will promote Christian principles. God is most certainly in control of things, but that does not mean we should sit idly by and do nothing to further His will. God commanded us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In terms of politics and leadership, there is valid evidence in Scripture that God was at a certain times displeased with the choices of leadership (Hosea 8:4). The evidence is seen everywhere in sin’s grip on this world. Much of the suffering experienced on earth is because of godless and wicked leadership (Proverbs 28:12). The bible gives Christians instructions to obey legitimate authority unless it contradicts the Lord’s commands (Acts 5:27-29; Romans 13:1-7). As believers, we ought to strive to choose leaders who are godly and will themselves be led by our Creator (1 Samuel 12:13-25).
Candidates or proposals that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported or condoned(Proverbs 14:34). As Christians, we should vote and do it as led through prayer and study of both God’s Word and the realities of the choices on the ballot.Christians in many countries in the world are oppressed and persecuted. They suffer under wicked or ungodly governments and they are powerless to change and governments that hate their faith and silence their voices. These believers still preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at risk of their own lives. In countries like Nigeria, U.S.A. and other countries or continents, Christians have been blessed with the right to speak about and choose their leaders without fearing for themselves or their families. In the U.S.A., in recent elections, about 2 of every 5 of self-professed Christians took that right for granted and did not vote. About 1 in 5 self-professed, eligible Christians are not even registered to vote. Same is the case in Africa. This is not how God intended, God doesnt want Christian to sit and play at the background of major decision making in our nation. We have a voice and a right to use it.
In our present day and age, there are many who want to drive the name and message of Christ completely out of the public arena and silence the spread of the gospel. Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would denigrate the name of Christ have their way in our lives and way of life and hinder the gospel. The leaders we elect—or do nothing to remove have great influence on our freedoms. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or they can restrict those
rights. They can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral disaster and destruction. As Christians, we should stand up, take position and follow our command to fulfill our civic duties (Matthew 22:21). Its time to vote. The election draws closer, get prepared to exercise you voting rights and get your opinion and choice of leaders heard.
Follow Mark Ogbeni on twitter @mogbeni
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