Decisions, Decisions

I wonder how the Lord Jesus would answer questions American Christians might have about voting in the upcoming election. Would he give direct answers to such questions as, “Who should I vote for?” or “Should I even vote this year?”? I’m wondering if he just might answer with, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”

I firmly believe that Jesus knows that His people are citizens of two worlds with duties and obligations pertaining to each. I also firmly believe Jesus upholds the dual truth of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men and human responsibility. On the one hand, Jesus knows that “the Most High is the powerful ruler over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He wishes” AND that “it is Heaven that rules with power,” (Daniel 4:26). On the other hand, it is the responsibility of Jesus’s followers to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus also knows that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people,” (Proverbs 14:34).

Part of Heaven ruling nations is determining outcomes of elections. Part of a citizen acting responsibly is voting. We can rest assured that both Heaven and Christian citizens play a role. Proverbs 16:33 (paraphrased) says, “We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they land.” Promoting God’s moral standards (His righteousness) is what makes any nation a better place to live in. Jesus’s followers have the opportunity to let their choice be known as to what they think will promote the interests of Heaven by casting their vote, while trusting God for the outcome.

Although it’s true that “this world is not my home, I’m just passing through,” Jesus’s followers are called to be salt and light while they are passing through to their inheritance in heaven. Therefore, Jesus just might remind us to do the salty thing and shine the light as bright as possible in the dark times we live in (and the privacy of the voting booth). As a Jesus follower, you may or may not choose to vote in this election (or any election), but we must always keep following Jesus no matter what the outcome of the election is without complaint or fear or worry. So, when it comes to voting this year, choose wisely knowing that we must choose this day (and every day) whom we will serve.