Contentious debates. Political pundits’ opinions. Wall-to-wall election coverage. It’s enough to make anyone angry, even Christians. Sometimes things can get so heated, it may be difficult to know how to act as a Christian, and you’ve no doubt seen many destroy their Christian witness in the heat of the moment. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a non-believer and a believer.
During election years, when you see some of the things going on and hear what politicians say, you might begin to wonder if God even cares about our nation anymore. Rest assured—He does! This nation isn’t subject to the mistakes and misjudgments of politicians and pundits. It’s sustained by the power of God. The prayers of God’s people brought this nation into existence, and we can change its future. But how? It starts with us…the Christians. Here are four characteristics of a godly, Christian voter:
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Pray, Obey and Then Vote!
Commit to pray for all the candidates and seek God’s wisdom about who to vote for. Then VOTE! Faith without works is dead. Your ballot is your seed. Plant it in faith and obedience. God will handle the rest.
“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3, The Message
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Speak Only Kindness, Love and Truth
When we watch candidates speaking against each other, calling each other names, and saying things that are untrue, it’s repugnant, but if we allow ourselves to get dragged down to the same level of rhetoric, that’s not helpful either. Depending on how we say it—if we speak the truth with kindness and love—what we say might help someone decide who to vote for.
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” –Ephesians 4:29, New Living Translation
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Avoid Complaining
Resist the urge to complain about the country and our electoral process. We live in the freest nation on earth. The little band of believers who came to America on the Mayflower prayed for a place where they could freely worship God. They entered a covenant with Almighty God in the Name of Jesus, and the first thing they did when they landed on shore was to pray for this nation. The hand of God has prevailed and this nation has been preserved because of the prayers of His people, then and now. So when you feel the urge to complain, pray instead, and be a bright light to those around you.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” –Philippians 2:14-15, NLT
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Trust God
Remember that the prayers of God’s people have stopped the devil from destroying this nation. God has heard the prayers of His people over and over, and He’s preserved this nation through many wars and hostilities. The liberty we enjoy today is ours because someone believed the gospel and prayed. Trust Him to keep His Word as He protects His people.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” –Psalm 9:10, NLT
How many of these characteristics do you exhibit? Above all else, you are called to be a light and example everywhere you go—especially during this political season. Let your witness remain strong by putting these four things into practice. Then, regardless of who is in office, you will be in the will of God!