The political backbiting and finger-pointing can easily make us want to isolate ourselves from the negativity, and become disengaged and disenfranchised with the political process. But as Christians, do we have the right to pull away and ignore politics, or do we have a role to play in this election?
As Christians, we should be praying for our leaders’ salvation, and for them to act righteously as they make decisions for our country, using biblical principles as the foundation for decision-making. We should pray that our leaders hold up biblical values and not give into political pressure to compromise on God’s truth. The Bible tells us when we pray for our leaders, this is pleasing to God.
Prayer is the starting place for our part, but we must take it a step further. God has called us to steward our voice in charting the course of our nation. We do this by going to the polls to vote. John Hancock said: “I [urge] you, by all that is dear, by all that is honorable, by all that is sacred, not only that ye pray but [also] that ye act.”
Going to the polls also brings a responsibility to educate ourselves about the political positions and values of the candidates. I tell people to vote the Bible. By saying this, I am encouraging people to seek out the candidates who are strong, godly leaders, who uphold biblical principles, and vote for these candidates.
Charles Finney, a leader in the Second Great Awakening, stated: “The Church must take right ground in regard to politics. Christians have been exceedingly guilty in this matter, but the time is come when I must act differently. God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for unless the Church will take right ground. … [God] will bless or curse this nation according to the course [Christians] take [in politics].”