By: Leif Bromme
What does the Lord require of us?
This question is at the core of the Christian experience. The belief in Christ’s life, death and
resurrection is important, but what does this mean for our lives? What duties do we have as
members of His church?
The most obvious answers that come to mind are manifestations of love: generosity,
forgiveness and the Fruits of the Spirit. Most wouldn’t place voting anywhere near the top of
the list.
In the days leading up to the Nov. 3 midterms, it is important to remind Christian voters of
their opportunity to live out their faith in the ballot box.
Christians have not always agreed on how to approach voting. Some have argued that
politics is a worldly system. Christians, after all, should look heavenward rather than place
their trust in flawed human systems. Other have pointed out Romans 13:1, which states
that “there is no authority except that which God has established.”
If God has established our leaders, then what need have we to vote? Is it not just a conflictridden distraction from the more important matters of faith?
If faith is the action that follows our beliefs, then politics is not incompatible with it. It is
inextricable from it. As Christians, we are called not only to look toward heaven, but to
polish the world we have until it begins to reflect it. Politics, though flawed, is one of the
strongest tools we have to bring about change.
Unfortunately, many Americans choose not to vote. According to BallotPedia, only 63.9% of
those eligible voted in the 2024 presidential election. The 2022 midterms drew even less
voters, with only 46.2% represented. A First Liberty study leading into the 2024 election
found that only 51% of people of faith were likely to vote.
Respondents gave several reasons for their reluctance to vote. Some believed that inaction
was favorable to two undesirable candidates. Others favored neutrality on principle. Many
of those polled were simply not interested in politics or elections.
Christian apathy toward voting means surrendering an opportunity to shape our society.
Elections cannot resolve every injustice, but they help determine how our communities
respond to the needs of their most vulnerable members. For Christians, that makes voting
an opportunity to make our world more Christlike.
There is a difference, however, between a Christlike society and a Christian society. Many
Christians have become politically motivated, throwing their vote behind what they
describe as Christian values. Emphasizing their denominational beliefs, some seek to
impose a morally specific system over a religiously diverse nation. This Christian
Nationalist approach overlooks both the Constitution’s Establishment Clause and one of
the oldest and most important Christian values: free will.
Even in the Garden of Eden, God provided an opportunity for humans to choose between
sin and righteousness. Christians may disagree about the moral boundaries of public
policy, but we should be wary of using government to compel religious observance or
enforce doctrine simply because it is ours. A society that reflects Christ must take seriously
the freedom of conscience that allows people to choose what they believe.
Within the framework of individual freedom, however, there is a space – even a need – for
action-minded Christians to work towards a country that is Christlike in its values.
Jesus’ life made those values abundantly clear. He healed the sick, welcomed outsiders,
supported those whom society rejected and challenged religious leaders who prioritized
rules over human need. Even in the face of persecution, His response inspired those
around Him to reject violence and vindictiveness in favor of empathy and tolerance. His
example points followers towards a politics of honesty, hospitality, justice and peace.
It is unrealistic to expect a society where these values are fully realized. It is equally
irresponsible not to strive for one. Each individual is important. In the same way that we
serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the church, our votes serve as the tools of
governance. In both the spiritual and civic realms, we are part of something much larger
than ourselves. Take your place in that work.
As you vote this coming week, remember that you bring with you not only your political
beliefs, but the reflected character of Christ. Remember the words of Micah 6:8.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
