Is it your Duty to Vote?
In my last article, we asked the question — would Jesus vote — and we discovered that if Jesus were alive today, He’d skip the politics and be busy loving & serving to build the Kingdom of Heaven, just like he did 2000 years ago.
We concluded that article with the thought that we are called to do as Jesus did — investing our time on earth in God’s Kingdom, not the politics of any earthly kingdom.
OK, but what does that mean about our vote?
Especially in a country like America, founded on Christian principles, isn’t it our duty to vote?
Let’s go back to the Bible for guidance… God’s word for all areas of our life…
Democracy started 500 years before Christ, but there’s not a single line in the Bible about voting. Even Paul’s letters to the Greek Christians — who lived in a democracy — never mention anything about politics or voting even once.
So… did Paul forget something?
I think not. Check Philippians 3:17–20 for his perspective:
…keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For… many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. … Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven…
And even though democracy was already around for 500 years, he writes this in Romans 13:1:
…for there is no authority except that which God has established.
Neither Paul nor Jesus indicate that earthly governments are any of our concern.
So where does the idea that we should vote come from?
I searched the Bible on this and talked to some pretty knowledgeable people too — and one Bible verse kept coming up — Jeremiah 29:7
…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
This fits with what Paul writes in 1st Timothy 2:
I urge… that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for … kings and all those in authority, [so] that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
The conclusion?
The idea that Christians have a duty to vote is man-made and not found or even directly supported by the Bible.
The Bible says nothing about influencing politics or law-making — anywhere.
Instead, the Bible repeatedly tells us to love God, love our neighbor & serve others — just like Jesus did — we are heavenly citizens helping build the Kingdom of God.
In my next writing, let’s find out if God even wants us to vote — watch for it!
Want to watch the video or share the message in video format with a friend? Then here’s the link: https://youtu.be/NAMtUy-bgl8
