“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
In an unsigned Boston Gazette newspaper essay, founding father Samuel Adams reminded Americans of their sacred duty when voting:
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”
Sam Adams was right: Voting really is a solemn act that should be done in faith. After all, God has given all citizens the privilege and the responsibility to choose their own leaders (Deut. 1:13).
Thankfully, the Bible speaks to all of life, and God does not leave us without instruction on how we ought to approach the ballot booth.
Instead of relying upon our own subjective preferences as we cast our votes, Christians should choose civil leaders based on the qualifications God sets forth in his Word:
“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21).
Notice the four characteristics that believers are directed to consider before supporting a candidate:
- First, government officials should be “able men” who are capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the office they are seeking;
- Second, government officials should “fear God” in both their public and private affairs;
- Third, government officials should be “men of truth” who walk in integrity; and
- Fourth, government officials should display a commitment to “hating covetousness,” guarding themselves against corruption as they promote biblical justice and the common good.
Scripture tells us to do all things to the glory of God—and surely that includes how we vote.
Let’s make sure we do our homework and vote for candidates that will govern according to God’s principles!
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for giving us the privilege of choosing our own leaders. Please help us to understand and treasure this sacred duty. Guide us as we cast our votes so that we may elect civil leaders who align with the standards you have set forth in Scripture. In the name of King Jesus we pray, amen.
— BIBLICAL VOTING RESOURCES —
Idaho Family Policy Center wants to help you vote biblically. Click here to download our Biblical Citizenship Guide to Voting for free!
4 Responses
Does Idaho Family Policy.org make available any listing of candidates ( info about their conservative Christian values) before elections? We recently moved to Caldwell, and plan to vote in upcoming election, but don’t have much familiarity with candidates.
My husband is the current senator and has already demonstrated his integrity in fighting for the bathroom bill. His attention to the policy trying to be passed about this in Caldwell last January is what got this bill the attention it needed to pass. You can visit his website or call him to learn more. TrakelforIdaho.com. Also, Lucas Cayler and Kent marmon are great choices for reps.
Thank you!
We have not lived here very long and we’re not familiar with candidates background. I would love some help with true conservative candidates.