Is a Christian obligated to vote?

As the U.S. election nears its end, many people find themselves tired, frustrated, angry, scared…, and wishing all this would just go away. The candidates are not all we would have hoped for, so some ignore the election altogether. Can Christians do that? Is a Christian obligated to vote? It's a good question. ?

According to the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, 32 million Christians may not vote in the 2024 presidential election. Why? Mainly due to a lack of interest. This stat appalls me, and it should appall all Christians. Why? Read on.

In the Sermon on The Mount, Jesus called His followers to be "salt" and "light" (Matthew 5:11-14). These elements picture the influence of Jesus' followers in his or her community. In Jesus' day, salt was highly valued, having practical and monetary uses. Light is fundamentally necessary to living life. Why are these words so important in answering our question? Influence.

Salt and light both influence what they touch. Salt brings flavor and preserves. Light exposes what is in the darkness. Both bring something good to life. When salt doesn't do what it should, Jesus said it is "good for nothing." When light is hidden under a bushel, it denies what it is. Every Christian is called to be salt and light. To do anything else is to deny who we are.

Indeed, every Christian has dual citizenship—a heavenly and an earthly. In the United States, our forefathers, many of whom were Christians, fought for the republic and freedoms we enjoy today. In a letter to the states, George Washington warned, "At this auspicious period, the United States came into existence as a Nation; and if their Citizens should not be completely free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own." In short, it is on the citizens to decide.

As a people with dual citizenship, we must walk accordingly. The Apostle Peter, writing on Christianity and government (remember the infamous Nero was the ruler in Peter's day), wrote, "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16?As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17?Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king" (1 Pe 2:15–18). I see two applications for us today that help answer our question.

God's will for His people is "well doing" or doing good. The Christian citizens use their freedom in Christ to do good, not evil. To not act or lack interest in our government, the institution God established, is evil. We are called to be salt and light in every arena of life. If we withhold our vote, we fail to be who God has called us. It is high time to awaken and influence our culture as the salt and light Jesus called us to be.?

We may not agree with every candidate's position or policy, but we can choose to vote for a candidate who allows Christians the most opportunity to do good. Remember, no candidate embraces all we would desire—men are men at best—we are all broken people. Yet if Joseph could stay and serve Pharaoh and Daniel could stay and serve secular kings, then every Christian can serve as a good citizen by voting. Think about it…

• Your vote could decide the fate of our religious liberties—something our founding fathers fought and sacrificed for by leaving then their home country.?
• Your vote could decide the fate of millions of babies' lives (very true here in the state of Florida).?
• Your vote could save the lives of your family and friends from harm and evil.

To not vote is to be an unwise steward of the gift, our U.S. citizenship, that God has given. It is to squander the opportunity to be salt and light. It is to mismanage the stewardship that God has given. We ought to always be ready to exercise our rights as U.S. citizens. Remember, even Paul exercised his rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:24-29).?

Yes, the days are dark. It just means we will shine brighter, and Jesus is coming soon! So, take heart: Peter and the Christians of his day faced a corrupt and evil government. In its midst, Peter called on his audience to honor the king and do good in a broken, corrupt culture. We can do no less.

Is a Christian obligated to vote? Yes, based on who we are called to be and the goal of being wise and good stewards, we are most definitely obligated to vote.?

Just think with me about the influence of 32 million Christian votes in this election and the elections to come. It would be a starting point and certainly not a fix. God's people need to repent of their worldliness and seek holiness in their lives. Truly, only Christ can change people's hearts and, thereby, a nation. Yet, perhaps you were come to this nation for such a time as this??

Now, go vote. Vote.gov