Does my vote matter?
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. –Romans 13:1 (ESV)
We are blessed to live in a country and a time in history when we get some voice in choosing the people who will govern us. From a practical standpoint, we have a duty as citizens to examine issues, candidates, and policies to cast a ballot for people whose values and positions most closely align with our own, as we are guided by our principles. But here’s the rub – our world and our nation are in need of a savior and no candidate or political movement can fulfill that role. Every candidate we’ve ever voted for was flawed, some of them deeply, often in ways that were quite evident, and we voted for them anyway. Even the best of them are only human.
But does it even matter? Historically speaking, humans have found it impossible to stop the plans of God, even under the most radically oppressive of political systems. In fact, though we think we would prefer living under political leadership that makes it more comfortable to carry out life as a Christian (and loudly lament a culture that often leans otherwise), it could be argued that being in a “Christian culture” has not been especially conducive to overall health and holiness of the church, at the individual or corporate level. There are many factors in play to account for all this, but for purposes of this discussion, let’s just say, “God gonna do what God gonna do” regardless of who holds political power.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. –1 Corinthians 5:12-13a (NIV)
As Christians, we are not called to judge the world. (That job is taken.) As Christians, we are called to hold ourselves and one another accountable to growing in Christ-likeness in a way that is noticeably different from the world around us. What does “winning” look like for the Lord’s church? What would be the mark of the Christians, the particulars that set them apart? In his book, "Destroyer of the gods: Early Christian Distinctiveness in the Roman World", Larry Hurtado found the following among things noted in the writings of Greco-Roman historians in reference to the early “Christians”:
They are a bookish people. Commitment to their Scriptures is essential to their life and practice.
They form a new identity and community. They experience fellowship in their devotion to their God and to one another that transcends normal patterns of affiliation.
They exhibit a counter-cultural ethic of living. Specifically, they are known for…
Diversity | Unity across ethnic, religious, political, economic and social lines
Care for the Poor | Support to the marginalized and suffering
Recognition of the Sanctity of Life | Women, children, immigrants, widows, sick, etc.
Sexual Purity | Fidelity in marriage between husband and wife
Forgiveness and Enemy Love | Extending mercy and kindness to others
By all means, exercise your right to vote. It’s a precious gift, bought with the blood of those who came before us – we dare not take it for granted. Just know there is also a higher purpose we’re called to. God is sovereign. He is not surprised. His plans and purposes will not fail, and they certainly do not depend on any candidate or political movement. The bottom line for political parties is power. The bottom line for a Christian is love. We mustn’t confuse or conflate the two priorities.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. –1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)