How Do You and I Vote?

 

The election is coming in just a few days. What do we do? We can feel the tensions rising. We see what’s going on in the world, and if that’s where our focus stays, we will find ourselves deeply discouraged.

As a pastor, I get asked all the time, “Who should I vote for?”

Friends, we should vote for Jesus.

Hold up! Let me explain what I mean by that. First of all, none of us get to “elect” Jesus. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whether we want him to be or not.

What I mean when I say you should vote for Jesus, is that voting an act of worship. We have been blessed with the right to vote, and just like any area where we live and move and have our being, we should use it to honor God. How do we do that?

1. Show up. Even though it can be hard to make these calls, don’t shy away. Enter in and use your right to vote as one more way to worship Jesus.

2. Know your Bible. If we’re going to make a decision that honors God, we need to know what pleases God. The best way that we can understand his character is by reading his Word.

3. Do your research. You need to know what the candidates stand for. You may have notice, that there are no perfect candidates. Remember, you’re not voting for your nation’s or your state’s pastor. You’re voting for an elected official, and you are not going to agree with them on everything.

4. Vote with your conscience. When you are sitting there with your ballot, just pray: “God, I have flawed options, here. Which one of these options the closest to what your Word says is important?”

No matter who wins or loses, our responsibility as citizens of God’s Kingdom comes first. This means that we treat our neighbors with kindness, regardless of their political opinions. It means that we pray for whoever wins, whether we voted for them or not. It means that we set our eyes on Jesus and trust him.

The governments of earth have never been the answer to our problems. This is true in our day, and it was true in the day of the prophet, Isaiah. That’s one reason why this prophecy about Jesus was and is so powerful:

For unto us a Child is born, for unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon his shoulder.
And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Take that in for a second. That’s the kingdom that you and I are a part of. We are citizens of Heaven and followers of Jesus. The King of Kings who rules over us is wonderful. He will counsel us through every difficult decision. He is the mighty God, ruling over every power. He doesn’t get just a few years in office. Our Heavenly Father’s reign is everlasting, ages and ages without end. When Jesus is on the throne, his people know peace.

No matter what happens this week, we will look to the Lord, seated upon the throne.