Many Christians simply don’t need to vote. They doubt the candidates are godly leaders and might’t support either side’s behavior. Mistrust abounds on either side, and neither seems to reflect the love of Jesus. This election season, the danger is embracing the conclusion that Christians mustn’t engage in voting or politics.
People I greatly admire have chosen to abstain from the mudslinging and name-calling process. On reflection, I can’t say I blame them. I personally have been guilty of engaging within the name-calling and mudslinging on X and never being engaged enough in Jesus’ actual response to any of this.
Christian wisdom requires us to search for Jesus in every issue. In my recent book, The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies, I explored the reality about sex and its sacredness, and I find myself needing to analyze this issue further regarding politics, voting, and Christians.
To Vote or Not to Vote? What Would Jesus Do?
In a democracy like ours within the United States, elections are pivotal moments where residents come together to find out the long run of their communities, states, and nations. Yet recent studies show a growing trend of voter disengagement amongst Christians within the United States. With an estimated 32 million Christians likely to take a seat out the 2024 elections, voter apathy is emerging as a troubling sign for each the Church and society ( Christian Post).
This disengagement, driven by frustration with divisive politics and an absence of appealing candidates, raises a crucial query:
What happens when believers, called to be salt and lightweight on this planet, retreat from their civic responsibilities?
Do we actually have a civic responsibility once we are called to evangelise the Gospel to the Lost and to make Disciples? The short answer is yes, we do. I deeply consider Christians must see voting as a civic obligation and a faith-driven act that permits us to bring God’s principles into public life and influence the culture for good.
Disillusionment Is Not an Option
I do know all of us feel disillusioned, but once I take a look at scripture, I’m led to consider disillusionment will not be an option. Apathy toward recent elections is comprehensible. Many believers feel alienated from the polarized rhetoric of recent elections and consider neither political party reflects their core values. This could also be true, but what if Christians didn’t battle, even with one another, to find out the righteousness of slavery and its eventual abolition? Galatians 6:9 says,
“Let us not turn into weary in doing good, for at the correct time we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t surrender.”
Over 68% of non-voting Christians cite an absence of interest in politics. In contrast, others express frustration at selecting “the lesser of two evils” relatively than a candidate they wholeheartedly support (Christian Post). I get this. No circumstance is more imperfect than one led by imperfect people! However, Scripture encourages engagement—even in imperfect circumstances. Jeremiah 29:7 calls believers to
“Seek the welfare of the town where I actually have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you can find your welfare.”
Just as Daniel served under ungodly Babylonian rulers and Joseph flourished in Pharaoh’s court, Christians today are called to work for good, even when their environment isn’t ideal (Daniel 6; Genesis 41).
By retreating from the political process, believers miss the chance to uphold righteousness and justice. Jesus reminded His followers:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the sunshine of the world.” – Matthew 5:13-16
Salt that continues to be within the shaker does no good, and lightweight hidden under a basket cannot dispel darkness.
Voting Is an Act of Faith
Voting isn’t just a private preference. It’s an act of stewardship and obedience to God’s call to influence the world. Jesus’ parable of the skills (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us that we’re held accountable for a way we use God’s resources and opportunities. Just because the servants were judged for what they did with what they were entrusted with, we’re chargeable for using our voices and voting for good.
Romans 13:1-7 also affirms the importance of engaging with governing authorities, as all authority comes from God. We are called to support and shape institutions for the common good, holding leaders accountable once they stray from truth and justice. Paul’s instruction, “Render to all what’s owed them: taxes to whom taxes are due… and respect to whom respect is due” (Romans 13:7), implies that believers have a task in participating in civic life. Moreover, Proverbs 31:8-9 commands:
“Speak up for individuals who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who’re destitute.”
Voting allows Christians to advocate for all times, religious freedom, and the vulnerable in our society. What more powerful voice do the innocent have than the voices of those that understand God’s love and forgiveness personally?
3 Issues at Stake for Christian Voters
1. Religious Freedom
Paul exhorts believers to “pray for kings and all who’re in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Voting for candidates who uphold religious liberty and freedom ensures believers can proceed living out their faith publicly and peacefully.
2. The Sanctity of Life.
Scripture teaches that each human being is made within the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which forms the muse for the pro-life stance. Proverbs 24:11 further instructs, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Through voting, believers can advocate for policies that protect the unborn and promote the dignity of all life from conception to natural death (The Scroll)
3. Family and Parental Rights.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to teach their children God’s ways diligently. Supporting candidates who defend parental involvement in education aligns with our biblical mandate to lift children within the knowledge of God. Proverbs 22:6 reinforces,
“Train up a toddler in the way in which he should go, and when he’s old, he is not going to depart from it.”
My duty to shepherd my son from birth has been the most important duty and joy of my life. It has been a present from God I actually have never taken evenly. By voting, Christians can promote laws protecting these God-ordained values and resist policies undermining them.
What Is the Role of the Church in Motivating Voters?
Churches and pastors have a significant role in encouraging civic participation amongst believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to “consider find out how to fire up each other to like and good works.” One way pastors can stir congregants to actively engage their faith in public life is by encouraging voting.
While some church leaders may fear appearing too political, they’ll give attention to equipping believers to vote with a biblically informed conscience. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “where there isn’t any guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there’s safety.” Let me state that very same scripture from a special translation for clarity.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
We need assistance navigating the complexities of politics through the lens of scripture. Pastors can provide guidance without endorsing specific candidates.
Our Vote: A Seed Planted for Future Generations
Revival begins with faithful obedience. As James 2:17 teaches, “Faith by itself, if it will not be accompanied by motion, is dead.” Voting is a tangible expression of religion in motion, sowing seeds for a future where God’s truth and justice can flourish.
Galatians 6:9 encourages believers to “not grow weary in doing good, for at the correct time we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t surrender.”
Even when political outcomes and climates seem discouraging, our role is to stay faithful, trusting that God can accomplish His purposes through our obedience.
Finally, Micah 6:8 provides a guideline, “He has told you, O man, what is sweet; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to like kindness, and to walk humbly together with your God?”
Voting is a option to pursue justice and kindness in the general public square while entrusting the outcomes to God’s sovereign will.
Why Is it Important for Christians to Vote?
If 32 million Christians abstain from vote, their silence will shape the long run of the nation in ways in which could possibly be deeply regrettable (Christian Post). As believers, we must resist the temptation to withdraw from the political process and as a substitute embrace our responsibility to act as faithful stewards of God’s principles. Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48 remind us,
“To whom much is given, much shall be required.”
We’ve been given the liberty to vote, the chance to influence our culture, and the responsibility to uphold God’s truth in the general public arena. My scriptural reflection tells me our small part is to vote for what we consider is true.
Voting will not be nearly selecting a frontrunner—it’s about being faithful on this small thing and trusting God with the remainder. Whether by mail, early voting, or showing up on the polls on election day, allow us to make our voices heard—not for the sake of political power but for the sake of being salt and lightweight in a world desperately in need of hope.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Edmond Dantès
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the primary African American woman within the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, in addition to on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, creator, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the creator of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
