Photo: Adobe Stock | Op-ed by David T. Crum
While the Bible calls Christians to live in peace (Romans 12:18), does this mean believers can’t engage in political matters or voice their opinions on pivotal issues?
First, let’s distinguish priorities and acknowledge Christ in every aspect of life. Believers should maintain a consistent Christian worldview that lays down the standard for their daily affairs, always submitting to the will and guidance of the Lord.
Jesus did tell Peter to put down his sword (John 18:11) and passionately taught to turn the cheek to one’s enemies (Matthew 5:38-40). However, Christians must live and function in this temporary world, often confronting heated issues affecting the faith and global society.
Martin Luther was certainly a champion of Christianity and inarguably started a revolution that jeopardized his life. This movement, known as the Protestant Reformation, was anything but peaceful, and he risked it all for the Bible.
John Calvin, too, fled France and endangered his life, teaching salvation by grace and faith alone. During the Reformation, and particularly in England, hundreds of Reformers were burned at the stake for promoting and defending their Christian beliefs.
While Christians should respect the separation of church and state, they must serve Christ first and foremost. This often means Christians speaking out against political topics that are contrary to the Lord’s standards. A defense of the Lord and the Bible is always justified (1 Peter 3:15).
Believers must recognize that no political party is perfect, but they also must use discernment in evaluating the policy issues pushed forward by each coalition.
Take, for example, the topic of abortion. President Ronald Reagan asserted, “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.” Christians can be this voice and voting bloc challenging the evil practice of murder. It took brave souls, most of whom were Christian, to start the abolishment of slavery. Combating abortion is no different.
Christians can also promote biblical standards when voting for their elected officials if they align with the principles found in the Scriptures. From societal standards to human freedom, the Bible can set the foundation for such issues.
Of course, politicians are human, and even the most aligned political figure or party will often disappoint. Nevertheless, voting in the U.S. brings forth a unique opportunity to promote critical tenets of the faith.
When studying history, Christians have always separated themselves as brave and faithful, refusing to surrender to the world’s ways. From being paraded in colosseums and tortured for their faith to being burned at the stake for God’s Word, Christians have risked it all.
In American history, there is a direct link between faith and patriotism. It is no coincidence that the far left has deemed slogans such as “An Appeal to Heaven” a danger to society.
Voting is a duty that everyone should take seriously. Believers can respect those who do not share their convictions and views, though, as Americans, Christians have the potential to sway the nation’s direction in the electoral process.
Sure, you can abstain from voting, but don’t be surprised if the nation keeps crumbling like the Roman Empire.
The conscience plays a consequential role in voting, and for Christians, this can’t be separated from their worldview. Standing up for Christ and confronting darkness has always meant proclaiming His ways and salvation.
Pray first, and vote with motivation to further serve His kingdom.