Religion in the Voting Booth

Introduction:

9 Days until election. Campaign for President began 11/3/04 – 1452 days ago. Ready to be over? When we cast our votes (local, state, national) – we do so under the belief that we have the power, through our vote, to change things. But often, when we vote, we do so under the idea that candidates have the power within themselves to change the course of the city, state, and nation.  This is not true. Some have called this the great deceit.  The conviction that spiritual goals can be achieved through political means is patently false.  It is a dangerous mistake to put more faith in politics/politicians/parties – than we do in God.

I. The Christian and Voting

A.     Does a Christian HAVE to vote? No.

1.     Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14 – God establishes the governing authorities.

2.     While God chooses our leaders, we must remember God works through us.

B.     When we vote, morality should be our first priority.

1.     Unfortunately…some Christians vote with their pocketbook … and take no consideration of morality into view.

C.     But we must remember, that no candidate has it within himself to change the entire direction of government.  That lies with God.

II. God has the power over our nation.

A.     We must not put more faith in our politicians than God.

B.     1 Sam. 8.  Israel’s experience with a national referendum. 8:5 - People wanted a king.

C.     Israel was uncomfortable and impatient.

1.     Notice 8:5 – did not go to God and ask for His leading in this issue.  See 8:7

D.     1 Sam. 8:10-22 – the addition of a king would place a rigorous burden on the people.

III. Are we really that different from Israel?

A.     Sometimes we rely more on our politicians to effect change than God.  This is a problem.  How do we know when we are doing this?

1.     An angry/argumentative person may have a faith problem.

B.     Paul gave us a method we can use to correct such political shortsightedness.

1.     1 Tim. 2:1-2 - Pray for the politicians…even the ones you don’t like.

2.     The deciding vote in any election:

                                              a.     Is not the one we make in the privacy of the ballot box:

                                              b.     It is the vote we make in the privacy of our prayer closets.

                                               c.     Prov. 21:1 – God has the power to direct the decisions of our leaders – even the bad ones.  When we pray the power of God is unleashed.

C.     What should we pray for?

1.     The success of whoever is in leadership.  Jer. 29:7

2.     We should pray for the healing of our land – 2 Chr. 7:14

3.     Pray that the decisions of our leaders will lead in such a way that we may reach others with the gospel.  1 Tim. 2:3-4

IV. Spiritual goals are not achieved through political means.

A.     The first Christians did not have favorable laws or champions in high political places.

B.     Jewish & Gentile families often disowned a family member who converted to Christ.

1.     Yet, Christians endured & Christianity as a movement prevailed.

C.     Through a political plan of action?  No. It was:

1.     Through faith in God. Through an unconquerable love for God, bro/sis in Christ;

2.     Through an enduring hope for resurrection.

Conclusion:

A.     We will survive the next 9 days. We will survive the next 4 years – with whoever is elected. God is in control! Christians are governed by higher principles.  We are moved by faith; commitment; hope; and trust…in God! Can you place all your hopes on God?