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The Christian Vote
By Tyler Barnett
What is your part in this world? God made it perfectly clear in Matthew 28:18-20 that it is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-20). The Great Commission is quite succinct at times; however, when we apply it to topics other than evangelizing, the details are a little fuzzy. What did Christ intend with this statement specifically to our citizenship of this world? Christ is our true King and naturally we are torn between the earthly government established today and God’s impending reign. Is it then our duty to stand idly by, waiting for His return, and taking no action, watching as our government changes into an increasingly secular body? In this context, we see the Great Commission in a new light: it is our obligation to participate in ways we are able, in order to do as Christ has commissioned us.
This powerful scripture is important to Christians as it gives us our mission in this world. It has been dubbed the Great Commission because it is a tenet of our faith a message from a risen Christ to evangelize. It is not specific on how to evangelize and so we are free to use the many tools, such as this publication, at our disposal to spread the Gospel.
Should we as Christians exercise our right to vote? Should we run for office? Is there a place in God’s favor for a Christian Commander in Chief? Some Christians are torn by these issues and with the impending elections; it is important to think about where you stand on them as well. First let’s consider the extremes: The Great Commission charges us to make disciples of ALL nations. Assuming this came to fruition in our time and the majority of our country chose to follow Christ and it was widely charged not to vote, which would lead the country? Assuming Christians should not vote, a small majority of non-Christians would elect candidates who are assumed to be non-Christians as well. How are we fulfilling our commission when we simply stand by? If however we find that we are encouraged to vote, and as I argue, are commissioned to vote, we are better fulfilling His Great Commission. It is our duty to support leaders in government who share and promote our views on spreading the Gospel.
Now that the importance of the Christian voter is established, who are we to vote for? Vote for yourself! For a few this may mean literally running for a government position but for the rest of us it means we are to vote for the individual who best represents ourselves. Naturally a candidate should have a good sound stance on Christian values; however, this should not be your only decision maker. Educate yourself and know whom you are voting for and why.
Here a few things to consider when researching your candidate (taken from Time Magazine, December 17, 2007):
- Leadership abilities
- Moral character
- Experience
- Economic issues
- National security
- Health care
- Dependence on foreign oil
- Immigration
- Environment
- War
For the most part, largely devout Christians founded the United States. It was designed in order to facilitate a powerful tool to carry out the Great Commission. Government is not necessarily a specific evangelical vehicle; however, people in power have influence over all of us. This idea might alarm you as well; you may be reminded that we cannot serve two masters, God and the government. This is where we see the brilliance in the design of our government: we are able to better carry out our commission when we have the support and influence of a strong Christian leader. Our support of a candidate who shares our moral stance is another way to “make disciples of all nations,” as it is said in Matthew 28:19.
A commission is an authoritative charge; there is no room for idleness. Take the principle of Matthew 28:18-20 and apply it to your daily commission, or campaign, if you will. We are campaigning to elect the one true King and our current government was designed to allow us this right. Apply these principles in everything you do and understand that God is a force of change, not complacent. You may not be running for a government position; however, you are the mouthpiece of God and are expected to let your voice be heard, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Infuse His teachings and principles in all that you do, whether it is voting, raising children, working, or educating yourself. May He bless your campaign for Christ and may you be assured that “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
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