Religious View: The Rev. Art Zacher
As Election Day draws near, it is important for the Christian to perform their civic duty and vote their conscience on what would be best for our country.
Remember that regardless of the outcome, our citizenship goes beyond this present world to Christ’s lordship.
Philippians 3:20 states, “For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 declares, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ . . . .”
Regardless of who wins the election, Romans 13:1 directs us to be in submission to those in authority: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
This includes noble rulers as well as the mediocre.
Daniel 4:17 declares, “. . . the most high ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
The Bible gives Christians several responsibilities toward those serving in our government:
1. Pray for elected officials, police, firefighters and other servants. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 we are instructed, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
2. Pay taxes, honor officials, obey the law, unless doing so requires you to violate God’s commandments. 1 Peter 2:13-14 reads, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” Acts 5:29 reads, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’ ”
3. Pursue peace. Hebrews 12:14 reads, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
4. Proclaim God’s word. In 2 Timothy 2:2 we read, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
Sometimes elections look like a contest between two uninspiring contestants. This does not dismiss the responsibility of Christians to vote for the one who best represents Christian values, such as protecting places of worship, life in general, law and order, and personal property.
Christians, do your duty and vote for biblical principles.
The Rev. Art Zacher is pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Fairfield. He can be reached at [email protected].
