Categories: Christian Commentary

How to vote and still be a Christian

During this season in the United States citizens of this country will be exercising their constitutional right to vote. As Christians in this country it can be easy to forget that we are but pilgrims, and that although we reside here this is not our ultimate home.

With these thoughts in mind, many Christians will fill out ballets, and pull levers and as such will seek to advance causes that in good conscience they believe will advocate Christs will in the earth. I would ask my fellow believer as we determine the results of various local and federal elections to keep the following in remembrance

The chief determinate in knowing if someone is a Christian is by our love. Not our ballet. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus say “By this shall all men know ye are my disciples if you vote Republican or Democrat.” No we shall be known as his disciples by the exceptional love that we show to one another. John 13:35

No more is such a time needed to demonstrate that love than now when our country is so divided politically and when well meaning persons acting in conscious find themselves at cross purposes.

I would put in remembrance that God makes it clear that he rules. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Daniel 2:21 And he (God) changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

No where in the scriptures are we given license of speak evil of our rulers. Here is something to think about as we as Christians in this country exercise the wonderful liberty that many of our fellow believers around the world do NOT enjoy. Jesus and Paul arguably lived under the most ruthless government the world has ever known—the Roman Empire. Yet not once in scripture do I see Jesus or Paul blast the political leaders of their day as I see so many of my fellow brothers do with their own ‘ruler’ today in the person of our sitting President. But you know who did? The Pharisees.

Jesus had more to say about the RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF HIS DAY than he ever had to say about Caesar. Yet I’ve seen professed Christians call our President a “clown”, “monkey” “Hitler” and a host of disrespectful names.

I do not agree with many of his nor for that matter all of any past sitting President’s policies yet Exodus 22:28 clearly tells us, “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

Daniel served under four different HEATHEN KINGS. Nebuchadnezzar Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus. Yet not once do we see him convey disrespect to the leaders of his country as American Christian so causally do today.

This behavior simply ought not to be named among those who name the name of Christ. Let us leave that type of behavior for the unsaved. Just because our country allows and condones that type of behavior doesn’t mean we as believers in Christ should engage in it. We should be different.

We are pilgrims who participate. Jesus when he returns will NOT be here to take sides. He will be here to take over. I’ve observed that he’s not into elephants or donkeys, but I’ve noticed he has a great interest in sheep and goats.

Our God is sovereign and interferes in the affairs of men. Let’s vote and have political discourse that serves as an positive example for our fellow believers in other parts of the world and honors him who is the King of Kings and the Judge of all the Earth.

Be blessed and vote!

Donovan

Donovan M. Neal is the Amazon best-selling independently published author of the Third Heaven Series: a speculative Christian fantasy four book series that explores the captivating story about the fall of Lucifer. The book takes readers on an epic journey through the celestial realms, offering a unique perspective on the events surrounding Lucifer’s rebellion and his descent into darkness. In this imaginative tale, Donovan weaves together elements of Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building. The story delves into the cosmic conflict between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare that unfolded in the heavens. Donovan has published eleven books and is currently working on publishing five more in the year 2023 alone. His books have reached thirteen countries including India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and across Europe, Canada and the US. He has sold over thirty thousand units of his books and generated over a quarter million in gross sales part time and without an agent. Donovan has produced fiction; non-fiction and most recently published a graphic novel. His genre of preference is fantasy and he has been named among such notable authors as Frank Perretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. When he’s not writing or working, Donovan can be found gaming or enjoying various forms of media. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a graduate degree in Non-profit Management from Walden University. Prior to his current career, Donovan served in ordained ministry from 1993-2011 and has extensive experience teaching the Bible. You can learn more about him professionally if you would like by clicking here. His favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He also enjoys gaming and can be found on the Playstation5 deep in Destiny 2, He’s owned most gaming systems all the way back from Atari and Pong! and has made several friends from his beloved days on World of Warcraft. A lover of such classics as chess and backgammon he loves most games and the strategy behind them. When he is not imagining comic conflicts between good and evil he is helping to secure employment for housing insecure women as the Executive Director of a non-profit in the city of Detroit and also serves in the prayer and discipleship ministry of his local church.