Is it, as some Christians profess, against God’s will for them to participate in the political process?
While many Christians do vote, it is not necessarily from a Christian perspective. But what else should we expect when the pulpit has gone silent on issues politicized by the left, grave issues such as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, the murder of innocent babies, open borders, redistribution of wealth, etc.? Perhaps that explains why so many Christians are confused about who to vote for or whether or not they should vote.
Among the most charitable people in the world, Christians can be lead to believe that they must vote for political candidates who advocate for bigger government in the name of compassion. Liberals, on the other hand, who claim compassion, actually donate very little of their own money, preferring to advocate larger government programs that use other people’s money collected via forced taxation. Being generous with other people’s money isn’t charity – it’s theft. Voting for candidates who advocate for bigger government and confiscation of other people’s property isn’t compassion, it is supporting socialism which attempts to replace the goodness of God, demonstrated through the voluntary charity of His children, with forced government redistribution.
The truth, most people conveniently forget, is that we are not entitled to anything that we do not earn ourselves. The commandment given through Moses is clear: “Thou Shall Not Steal.” Yet for some reason, many Americans do not think it is unethical or immoral to steal from one group of society to give to another group as long as the government plays the role of middle man.
It is every Christian’s duty to stand against evil in whatever form it presents itself. St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man. The alternative is unthinkable. In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa, the result of which lead to almost 170 million men, women and children brutally murdered by these governments, all in the name of human progress.
It was Christian involvement in government throughout the ages that gave us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, regard for human life, great works of art and literature, a workable system of justice, education for the common man, the free-enterprise system, and much, much more. When you see the good that results from applying God’s principles and the horror that results from rejecting them, doesn’t it seem cruel and irresponsible to not keep out of office those who attempt to destroy our nation?
The late Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer said “show me the laws of any nation and I will tell you its religion.” It is that simple. Over the last half century, the religion of secular humanism has pushed aside the religion of Christianity upon which this nation was based, from which its ethics arose, and upon which its legislation was framed. Therefore, it is essential for Christians to participate in politics, to vote or run for office, to set an example for generations to come. Those who apply God’s principles to government pave the way for generations of blessings. God has given His church the privilege and responsibility to make this world a better place in which to live and work.
“When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, ‘just men who will rule in the fear of God.’ The preservation of [our] government depends on the faithful discharge of this Duty; if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded. If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine Commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the Laws.” Noah Webster, History of the United States.
