On Voting in the 2012 Election

In all my years of ministry, I don't recall an election like the one coming in less than two weeks.  I have read an article by one pastor giving his reasons for deciding not to vote because he cannot agree with voting for either one of the major party candidates for President.  He vote is not voting.  I know that some believers, as a matter of conscience, will vote for President, but not for either the Republican or Democrat.  And I have listened to a Christian leader whom I greatly respect, Dr. Albert Mohler (President of The Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, KY) make a case of distinction between the two major candidates in which he rather plainly communicates which of the two he will vote for.

Because voting is a small but very real opportunity for us as followers of Jesus Christ to be salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-14), I cannot agree with declining this opportunity to vote.  As a matter of conscience some believers may vote for a candidate affiliated with a minor party.  And while evidence is abundant that neither of the major candidates is a Christ-exalting lover of the Scriptures with a Biblical worldview, it is good to be reminded that Paul's instructions for believers in relation to governing authorities and governors were written in the context of life under a Roman system that was hostile to the apostle and to all Christians.  Yet he called for being subject to governing authorities because their power was God-given and instituted by God (Rom. 13:1).  Further, in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Paul wrote--- "...I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior..."  

Since Paul counsels us to pray this way so that "we may live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way", it follows that our voting would be directed toward candidates who will govern in manners that will result in environments and opportunities for such God-honoring living. 

As I have said before during elections seasons I most certainly encourage all of us to stand for the preciousness of all God-given life and against abortion and euthanasia as we vote.  I continue to be amazed at God's patience with a nation in which it is legal to slaughter unborn little ones, and even those who have emerged from the birth canal!  (And now this year, we have a party platform that openly calls for freedom to pursue infanticidal murder and countenances immorality.)  In this sense I am a one issue voter, and other issues of moral importance must be taken into consideration as we vote if we are to stand for the absolute truth of God's Word and design.  However small you perceive one vote to be, I encourage us to stand against such evil and for truth with our vote.

Finally,, here are some resources you may find helpful as you prepare to vote:

* A fine sermon by Dr. Mark Dever--  www.capitolhillbaptist.org/2010/09/jesus-paid-taxes-makr-1213-17/

* The American Worldview Test-- www.albertmohler.com

* "Is A Vote for Mitt Romney a Sin Against God?", by James A. Smith, Executive Editor of the Florida Baptist Witnes-- www.goFBW.com, current issue