Our responsibility doesn’t end with what we believe. It also includes how we live, how we serve, and how we participate in the world around us. As we approach Election Day, I want to encourage you to do three things: Pray, Vote, and Trust God.
Jesus called His followers to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Salt has an important purpose. It preserves, protects, and prevents decay. In the same way, followers of Jesus should have a positive influence on the world around them. We shouldn’t simply complain about the direction of our communities, our state, or our country. We should look for opportunities to make a difference.
One way we can do that is by exercising our responsibility and privilege to vote.
1. Pray and ask God for wisdom
Before you cast your vote, take time to pray. Ask God to give you wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Don’t allow political ads, social media arguments, personal preferences, or someone else’s opinions to make your decisions for you. James 1:5 reminds us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously.
We need God’s wisdom to help us see beyond personalities, political parties, and campaign promises. We need discernment to evaluate what is being said and understand what is at stake.
2. Know the issues and the candidates
Don’t simply vote based on a name, a party, or what someone tells you. Take time to do your homework. Understand the issues. Research the candidates. Look at their positions, their character, their experience, and what they have demonstrated through their actions. Be willing to look beyond the headlines and social media posts. Make informed decisions rather than emotional reactions.
As Christians, our responsibility is to think biblically, exercise discernment, and consider how our decisions affect the people and communities around us.
3. Commit to trust God and pray for those elected
Once you have prayed, become informed, and cast your vote, you have another responsibility: trust God. Regardless of who wins or who doesn’t, our confidence must never be placed in a political candidate, a political party, or an election outcome. Our confidence is in God.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 to pray for everyone, including kings and those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. Notice that Scripture doesn’t tell us to pray only for the leaders we voted for or the ones we agree with. We are called to pray for those in authority.
Pray for wisdom. Pray for integrity. Pray for good decisions. Pray that those elected will lead in ways that benefit the people they serve. We may not agree with every decision or every person in leadership, but we can still honor God by praying for them.
Let’s remember …
- Pray before you vote
- Become informed before you decide
- Exercise your responsibility and privilege to vote
- Trust God with the outcome
- Pray for everyone elected to serve
We cannot control every decision made in Washington, our state capital, or our local communities. But we can control how we respond, how we participate, and the influence we have. Don’t underestimate the difference you can make by being salt in a world that desperately needs the influence of Jesus.
Be salt. Pray. Vote. And trust God!