Should Christians Vote?

If Jesus walked the earth in bodily form, today, and was a U.S. citizen, would he vote in the upcoming election?

I believe he would.

Jesus’ “real kingdom” is “not of this world,” but those who believe in him ought to help improve America by voting and participating in a government that’s still, so far, “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Jesus preached that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” and he promoted (and still promotes) good stewardship, which means taking care of talents, wealth and privileges we possess. Participating in government by voting is a privilege Jesus never enjoyed during the time between his birth in Bethlehem and his crucifixion at Calvary.

Jesus spoke powerfully about one's relationship to government when critics asked him about paying taxes to Rome.

“Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” some disciples of the Pharisees asked Jesus (pardon my paraphrasing).

“You hypocrites!” Jesus said. He asked them to show him some money.

“Whose image and signature is on this coin?” Jesus asked.

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Then pay Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give God what belongs to God,” Jesus said (Matthew 22:21).

That direct-from-Jesus command indicates people desiring to follow God should also attempt to be good citizens by participating in the privileges and obligations of government. We may be shirking part of our God-endorsed duties if we stay away from voting booths. 

Some religious people may believe voting in an election is a “worldly” activity. An old gospel song contains these words: “This world is not my home; I’m just a-passing through….”

We’re all “just passing through,” but we shouldn’t neglect our temporal tasks and duties, while we pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven…Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Jesus told this story about a Good Samaritan: Robbers beat a traveler, stripped him and left him for dead. A priest saw the injured man but passed by on the other side of the road. Then a Levite passed by on the other side. Levites were reportedly dedicated to God.

“But a certain traveling Samaritan came upon the wounded man,” Jesus said, “and when he saw him, he felt compassion.” (Samaritans were mostly despised and considered “low class” by priests and Levites.) The Samaritan bandaged the man’s wounds, “put him on his own beast,” carried him to an inn, took care of him and left money with the innkeeper for the man’s further care.

Our American culture is being beaten and bloodied by secular humanism, atheism and socialism. Proponents of these philosophies ignore God’s Word. Some pastors say God is already judging America. Let’s feel compassion for our country and help bind up its wounds.

I believe Jesus would vote in our elections if he walked among us, today, in his earthly body, and was a U.S. citizen. I believe he would vote for candidates who support Christian values. I believe we should, too.

What Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Country?

Immediately after taking the oath of office to become President of the United States, John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961:


“The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe – the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God….

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty….

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

He ended his speech with these words: “Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

President Kennedy’s famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” has been repeated often.

So, what is the best thing an American Christian can do for America?

I believe that living for Christ, spreading the Gospel (by words and deeds) and praying for individuals, our country and the world is the best thing a U.S. citizen can do for his country.

Writer Robin Calamaio says there is one God who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

“The Bible does not have an Old Testament God…and a New Testament God,” she says, noting that the Bible has plenty of information about God’s dealing with nations. “He speaks of their formation, life-span – and demise. But God, in a present grace and power, still addresses the nations – granting promises…and issuing warnings. As believers, we know that disaster is waiting at the end of unheeded warnings.”

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

Calamaio writes, “Nations that reject the dominion of the living Creator will be aborted by Him. The God of the Old Testament is alive and well. He always has been.”

She says “power positions” belong mostly to non-Christians, but even if believers filled those positions, leaders can only control a small part of human activity. Attempting to morally contain people is like trying to herd cats, she notes.

While “our citizenship (‘conversation’” is the word used by the KJV in Philippians 3:20) is in heaven,” our lives in our current society are very real, she says. “Family is real – and so are our friends, co-workers and fellow countrymen.”

Though many Christians believe the “end times” are near or already here, we must not give up and wait for the rapture of the Church and neglect filling our Christian roles in society.

Calamaio writes, “When the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, God told them to ‘seek the welfare (peace) of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on his behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare’” (Jeremiah 29:7). There are two directives here. First, benefit that society by doing positive things. Second, pray for that society. Could it be that God directs us in the same vein toward our native country?”

St. Paul tells us, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

What can we do to best help our country?

Yes, we should vote in elections and speak up, but I believe the greatest contribution we can make to help our nation is this: Live for Jesus Christ, spread the Gospel, pray for individuals, pray for leaders, and pray for our country and the world.