The Stewardship of Voting

Two weeks from today is Election Day in America. Early voting in WV begins today. It’s hard not to struggle with “election fatigue.” The harshness and rancor between Americans are hard to watch.

This past Sunday, however, I reminded our congregation to pray for our country and to be sure to vote and vote based on moral issues and Biblical principles. I pointed out that even if we are frustrated by the choices at the top of the ballot, the option of not voting or “sitting this one out” is not a good option for Christians. “All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing,” is a principle that applies!

Today, I was at a Pastors’ Prayer Luncheon with IBC-member and WV Senate Candidate, Tom Willis. Tom reminded us that voting is a “stewardship” for believers. I agree. We understand that we are stewards of our finances and of our ministry opportunities, meaning that we will answer to God for what He entrusts to us. But how many stop to think that we are stewards before God for the responsibilities of citizenship in this free country?

We may not be pleased with some of the candidates. And, we will not answer for how anyone else votes. But we will answer to God for how we exercise our stewardship of voting. Don’t sit this one out!

Many say that they don’t have enough information to vote for all of the races on the ballot. Good non-partisan information on the moral and biblical issues is available at www.ivoterguide.com . Also, WV for Life has made available in print at IBC their endorsements on the Pro-life issues. Or, check out their website at https://pac.wvforlife.org . Be sure to vote YES on the Amendment to the WV Constitution that will prevent physician-assisted suicide in our state.

By the way, you don’t have to vote for everything on the ballot, if you are unsure or lack information about a particular race. Pray for wisdom and vote for those whose policies best reflect your Biblical values.

Gerri and I just listened to a great sermon on Christians and politics by Associate Pastor Christian Norman of First Baptist Church of Woodstock GA. He gave the biblical perspective and pointed out surprising and disappointing statistics about how many Christians do not vote. I encourage everyone to check out this helpful, excellent message. Here’s the link to the sermon entitled “Kingdom Citizens: Should Christians Do Politics?”

Another similarly impacting sermon, mentioned to me by more than one IBC’er was recently given by Pastor Gary Hamrick of Leesburg Va entitled, “Church Unite for the Soul of America.”

God is on the throne. I am thankful for the sovereignty of God, knowing that the winners of the election will be whoever God wants to be in office (Romans 13:1 and the Book of Esther). But, while God’s sovereignty can give us peace, it is not an excuse for failing to exercise our stewardship of voting.