2024 #2
“J” in Australia asks:
“How should we encourage our fellow citizens to vote?”
Mark Riser – Apologist responds,
Thanks for the question, “J.” While I am concerned with the loss of civic virtues in any country, I am also concerned about Christian believers who seem to dismiss citizenship. Some Christians believe that we should not be involved in politics and political discourse and focus on preaching the Gospel. The Gospel is fundamental and central to our identity as believers. We should be interested in seeking the Kingdom of God, which can be defined as the rule and reign of God in the hearts of people.
The question of voting leads to the larger question of political involvement in general. I believe that Christians should be involved in politics for three reasons.
First, believers have been involved in political systems. In the Old Testament, men such as Nehemiah and Daniel held high positions in government. In Paul’s letters, there is a note to the Philippians about “believers in Caesar’s household” (Phil. 4:22). Faithful people have and can be involved in politics.
Second, believers are to be good citizens of the countries in which they find themselves. One of the tasks inherent in being a good citizen is voting on candidates and issues. But, our involvement does not end there. The apostle Paul says that we should pray for leaders at all levels (I Tim. 2:1-2). Also, believers should lead on moral reform as salt and light. Historically, Christians have lead in reform efforts such as the anti-slavery and civil rights movements.
Finally, Christians should exert their influence on political systems. The believers that I mentioned earlier, Nehemiah, Daniel, and those in the Imperial household, were in a position to be used by God in influencing leaders. We, as Christians, can also be in a position to be used by God to influence politics. Many Christians will never hold office, but we can use our influence by applying the Christian worldview to issues and voting for candidates and issues that come before us.
There should be a word of caution. Christians should be on guard against idolatry, substituting the state for God. We should also be aware that power should not be sought for its own sake. Power and influence are means and not ends.
I believe that the Christian worldview calls us to be good citizens and to be involved in determining the future direction of our institutions. Christians have the responsibility to learn issues, apply the tenets of the Christian worldview to those issues, and participate by voting. We should not seek to diminish our influence.
Mark Riser - Apologist 