“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.”
1 Timothy 2:8 NLT
Sometimes I wonder if “my vote” during election seasons really makes a difference. At one time in my life, I chose not to vote because I thought my vote wouldn’t matter.
I felt the Lord spoke to me to vote out of obedience to Him. I used to get so confused about who to vote for. What political party is better? Holds the values I believe in? What candidate has better character? As I developed my values, policies, and character questions, I asked myself, “What if all Christians didn’t vote because they thought their vote wouldn’t count?” So I started voting—out of obedience to God.
My personal conviction (it may not be yours) is that God is Tov—no matter who you vote for. What I don’t mean is to vote blindly or without developing your set of values, policies, or character questions for the candidates you are considering. What I do mean is that whoever you vote for, continue to pray for the process and our country. Continue to trust God. Continue to unite with other Christians around the truth that “we are blood of Jesus family” despite our political party differences. You may hold to your “strong convictions and beliefs” about certain candidates, policies, etc., but should we be divisive and divided in our relationship as the Family of God?
I can guarantee you this: there are God-loving Christians who believe a “little differently from you and I,” who voted for “the other candidate.” Now what? How are we going to treat or think of that other brother or sister in Christ?
So no matter who we vote for God is Tov! That’s my belief. Let’s rally and unite in and under His Tov-ness! Let’s unite in worship and prayer, as Paul urged Timothy and others—free from anger and controversy (1 Timothy 2:8). Look at the meaningful context in chapter 2:1-4. We are called to pray for ALL PEOPLE, including all who are in authority.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4
What qualities should Christians possess in life, including election season?
- Be prayerful. Intercede.
- Be thankful.
- Live peacefully and composed. (Interesting that the Greek word for “quiet” also includes the quality of tolerance.)
- Be godly with dignity and reverence.
- Be pleasing to God.
I pray that you will cast your vote. And whoever you vote for, believe with me that God is Tov, no matter who our brother or sister in Christ (or non-Christians) vote for.
LORD! Help me to live with the heart and character described in 1 Timothy 2. And please guide our country and the countries of this world, to know Your Truth … Jesus!
