Approaching Voting as Christians: Eternal Perspective & Ultimate Allegiance

Voting is an important part of our civic duty as citizens. It is a way for us to participate in the decision-making process of our government and have a say in the direction our country takes. But as Christians, how should we approach voting? Should we be deeply invested in the outcome, or should we approach it with a more detached mindset? In this article, we will explore what the Bible has to say about voting and how we can navigate this process as followers of Christ.

1. Voting and Marriage: A Temporary Commitment

In 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, the apostle Paul encourages believers to live as though they have no wives, mourn as though they are not mourning, rejoice as though they are not rejoicing, and buy as though they had no goods. What does this mean for us when it comes to voting?

Paul is reminding us that the present form of this world is passing away. Just as marriage is a temporary commitment that ends at death, so too is our investment in the political process. While we should participate in voting, we should do so with a mindset that recognizes the temporary nature of this world and the ultimate importance of our relationship with Christ. Our allegiance to Christ should always take priority over our political affiliations.

2. Voting and Mourning: Finding Hope in Loss

As Christians, we are not exempt from experiencing loss and mourning. We grieve over the loss of loved ones, the loss of health, and the loss of dreams. However, even in our mourning, we can find hope and comfort in our faith.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul reminds us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ and the promise of eternal life. While voting can bring about losses and disappointments, we can approach these outcomes with a perspective that goes beyond the temporary. Our hope is not in political victories or defeats, but in the coming kingdom of God where all things will be made right.

3. Voting and Rejoicing: Temporal Joy vs. Eternal Joy

In our lives, we experience moments of joy and happiness. We rejoice over good weather, time spent with friends, and successful endeavors. However, as Christians, we recognize that these joys are temporary and do not compare to the eternal joy we have in Christ.

In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always. Our joy should not be based on political outcomes or the state of our nation, but on our relationship with Christ. While voting can bring about moments of happiness, we should remember that our true joy is found in the hope of glory that awaits us in eternity. Our joy should always be tempered by the knowledge that the best this world has to offer is only a foretaste of the greater joy to come.

4. Voting and Material Possessions: A Loose Grip on the World

In our society, we are encouraged to pursue material possessions and accumulate wealth. However, as Christians, we are called to have a different perspective on the things of this world.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but to store up treasures in heaven. While we are called to engage with the world and its systems, including the political system, we should do so with a loose grip on material possessions. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and we should view the things of this world as temporary and fleeting. Our focus should be on using the world to make much of Christ and lay up treasures in heaven.

5. Voting and Dealing with the World: The Means to an End

As Christians, we are called to engage with the world and deal with its systems. This includes participating in the political process through voting. However, our ultimate purpose in dealing with the world should be to make much of Christ.

In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul encourages believers to do everything as unto the Lord, knowing that it is from the Lord they will receive their inheritance. While we engage with the world and its systems, including politics, we should do so with the understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. Our dealings with the world should be a means to an end, a way to fulfill our purpose of glorifying God and advancing his kingdom.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, voting is an important part of our civic duty as citizens. As Christians, we should approach voting with a mindset that recognizes the temporary nature of this world and the ultimate importance of our relationship with Christ. While we engage with the political process, we should not place our ultimate hope in political outcomes or material possessions. Our hope and joy should be found in Christ and the promise of eternal life. We should use our involvement in the world, including voting, as a means to make much of Christ and advance his kingdom. So, let us participate in the political process with a loose grip on the things of this world and a firm grip on our faith in Christ.