Living by Faith Also Means Voting in Faith

(by Ron Schalow)

As Christians, we are called to live by faith. God’s Word is abundantly clear on this point, yet this is a struggle for many of us. Do we allow our Sunday morning faith to have an impact on our lives and our decisions during the rest of the week?

We find it much easier to live by what we can see. This is not only true of our lives in general, but this carries over into our voting as well. As we should live by faith, we should vote in faith.

I suspect many Christian voters have done what I did over the years. Here’s how I used to vote:

• I chose the major political party that matched my views better than the other major political party, then,
• I voted in the primary election for the best candidate in my chosen party, then,
• I voted for my chosen party’s candidate in the general election.

I voted this way for years, as most voters likely have, but now I have a new plan. Here’s how I vote now:

• I select the best Scripturally qualified candidate, then,
• I vote in the primary election for the candidate I have selected if that candidate is a member of a political party represented in the primary election. If the candidate I have selected is not on the primary election ballot, I do not vote for that office in the primary election, then,
• I vote in the general election for the candidate I have selected if that candidate is listed on the general election ballot or if a write-in is permitted. If the candidate I have selected is not on the general election ballot, or if a write-in is not permitted, I do not vote for that office in the general election.

Why did my voting plan change so radically?

I came to realize that even if my eventual choices had been good ones, I had arrived at those choices in the wrong way. I had failed to account for faith in the process. I had to completely rethink how I needed to vote as a Christian. I also recognized that this would require some work and research on my part. Voting wasn’t going to be as easy as it used to be.

I had to overcome two major hurdles in my thinking.

The first hurdle I had to overcome was my lifelong belief in a major political party. My ultimate goal had been to support my chosen party, but now my goal would be to obey the principles of God’s Word with my vote. My political convictions had not changed, but now my faith needed to be placed in God’s Word instead of a political party. I had to recognize that I was not limited to just two political parties when voting in faith.

The second (and greater) hurdle I had to overcome was my belief that I needed to vote for candidates who could win. My ultimate goal had been to win, but now my goal would be to obey the principles of God’s Word with my vote. My faith needed to be placed in God’s Word instead of a winning candidate, so that I could vote for the candidate that should win, not necessarily a candidate that I thought could win. I had to recognize that I was not limited to just two ‘viable’ candidates when voting in faith.

These concepts were very difficult for me to grasp, and I expect many readers will struggle with them, but it was absolutely necessary for me to understand them in order to be in obedience to God’s Word.

When I looked back on my voting life, I usually cast good votes, but I never considered the principles of God’s Word in the process until now. This completely changed how I approach the voting process. After reading God’s instructions for choosing leaders, I saw that I had no choice but to change.

Voting in faith is hard work, but obedience to God is worth the effort. Here’s a Scriptural path to voting in faith.

Voting in Faith for Candidates for Public Office For every election and every office, we must assess each and every candidate without consideration for the candidate’s political party or trying to figure out who might win. As candidates declare their candidacy for the office in question, we must assess each of them equally and separately. We cannot compare one candidate to another, but we will compare each candidate separately to Scriptural principles. If we are not willing to do this, then we are not voting in faith. We are then voting by sight, by reason, by fear, or party. For each candidate, we need to answer each of these questions in the following order before casting any vote:

• Does the candidate hold the Scriptural qualifications needed for the office? The appropriate Scriptural authority is the Bible and only the Bible. God’s qualifications for higher positions are given to us in these passages:
  
  “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” (Exodus 18:21)
  
  “Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.” (Deuteronomy 1:13)
  
  “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”” (II Samuel 23:3)
  
  God’s disqualifications are given to us in these passages:
  
  “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
  
  “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (II Timothy 3:1-5)
  
  These qualifications and disqualifications are more important than any other consideration.

If the candidate does not meet all of the Scriptural qualifications needed for the office, or is Scripturally disqualified for the office, we cannot vote for that candidate. We must then start the process over with the next candidate.

If the candidate does meet all of the Scriptural qualifications needed for the office and is not scripturally disqualified for the office, we will continue the process and go to the next question.

• Does the candidate express views that are consistent with Scripture? On this point, it’s important that we do not equate our personal opinions and preferences with the actual principles of Scripture. Issues that are clearly and specifically addressed in God’s Word would be considered here.

If the candidate supports any issue that goes against the principles of Scripture, we cannot vote for that candidate, even if the candidate supports other issues that are consistent with Scripture. We must then start the process over with the next candidate.

If the candidate only supports issues that are consistent with Scripture or issues that Scripture does not address, we will continue the process and go to the next question.

• Does the candidate live in a way that is consistent with Scripture? Once again, it’s important that we do not equate our personal opinions and preferences with the actual principles of Scripture. Issues such as honesty, morality, character and reverence for God would be considered here. We should be able to imitate the candidate’s lifestyle and teach our children to do the same.

If the candidate’s manner of living is not consistent with examples set forth in Scripture, we cannot vote for that candidate, even if other issues are acceptable. We must then start the process over with the next candidate.

If the candidate’s manner of living is consistent with examples set forth in Scripture or is not inconsistent with those examples, we will continue the process and go to the next question.

• Does the candidate hold the practical and legal qualifications needed for the office? The appropriate practical qualifications would include issues such as citizenship, knowledge, understanding, wisdom and past experience. The appropriate legal authority will always include the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of the applicable state, and any local laws, regulations and ordinances. Acceptance of the appropriate authority indicates a willingness to honor, uphold, and abide by said authority.

If the candidate does not meet all of the practical and legal qualifications needed for the office, we cannot vote for that candidate. We must then start the process over with the next candidate.

If the candidate does meet all of the practical and legal qualifications needed for the office, we will consider that candidate and start the process over with the next candidate.

Once we have considered each candidate separately, we will have arrived at one of these options:

• One Scripturally qualified candidate remains.
• No Scripturally qualified candidates remain.
• More than one Scripturally qualified candidate remains.

If one Scripturally qualified candidate remains, then we must vote in faith for that candidate.

If no Scripturally qualified candidate remains, we will consider this point:

• Is a write-in legally possible in our state or locality?

If a write-in is legally possible, we must write in a candidate, using the same criteria we used for declared candidates.

If no write-in is legally possible, then we will not vote for any candidate for that position.

If more than one Scripturally qualified candidate remains, we will consider these points of preference for each remaining candidate separately in the following order:

• Will the candidate be on the ballot in our state?

All else being equal, a candidate on the ballot is preferable, as a candidate not on the ballot can only be considered as a write-in. If an acceptable candidate is on the ballot, we will continue the process and go to the next question.

If no acceptable candidate is on the ballot and a write-in is legally possible, we must write in a candidate, using the same criteria we used for declared candidates. We will continue the process and go to the next question.

If no acceptable candidate is on the ballot, and no write-in is legally possible, then we will not vote for any candidate for that position.

• Is the candidate a Christian?

All else being equal, the Christian candidate is preferable. If only one remaining candidate is a Christian, we must vote in faith for that candidate.

If each candidate is a Christian, or if no candidate is a Christian, we will continue the process and go on to the final question.

• Does the candidate have a realistic chance of winning the election? This question is last for a reason, as we are voting by faith, not by sight. God does not call us to be aligned with the winner – God calls us to be aligned with His Word.

All else being equal, a candidate with the best chance of winning is preferable.

If all remaining candidates have an equal chance at being elected, then we can vote in faith for any of the remaining candidates.

The following list includes some of the considerations that are unimportant in the process of voting in faith:

• Whether the candidate is young or old. (One exception: A candidate for President of the United States must be age 35 or older according to the United States Constitution)
• Whether the candidate is male or female.
• Whether the candidate is born in the United States or another country. (One exception: A candidate for President of the United States must be a natural born citizen of the United States according to the United States Constitution)
• Whether the candidate is or is not a member of a specific racial group.
• Whether the candidate has a disability or not.
• Whether the candidate is aligned with a major political party or not. (One exception: If a candidate is aligned with a political party, the political party’s platform must be consistent with Scripture)

Voting in Faith for Ballot Proposals

The process of voting in faith on ballot proposals is much simpler, as each proposal requires a ‘YES’ or a ‘NO’ vote, but it still requires work on our part. We start by reading the actual ballot language for the proposal in question. It is very important to read and understand the actual ballot language. Proposals are often worded to require a ‘NO’ vote when one is in favor of the proposal, or vice versa. After reading and understanding the ballot language, we will study arguments for and against the proposal if we need more information about it.

Next, we must answer this question before casting any vote:

• Is the ballot proposal consistent with God’s Word? On this point, it’s important that we do not equate our personal opinions and preferences with the actual principles of God’s Word. Issues that are clearly and specifically addressed in God’s Word would be considered here.

If the ballot proposal is inconsistent with the principles of God’s Word, we must vote against the ballot proposal.

If the ballot proposal is consistent with the principles of God’s Word, we are at liberty to vote for or against the ballot proposal, depending on our personal opinions and preferences.

After the Election

As Christians, we must leave the results to God, whatever those results may be. The results of any election will be according to the appointment of God, whether for blessing or judgment. Once the results are in, we need to pray for those who have been elected and continue to pray for them during their term of office, whether we voted for them or not. Living in faith requires this of us. We have every right to praise them when they are doing right and criticize them when they are doing wrong, but as Christians, we must determine right and wrong according to the principles of God’s Word, not according to partisan considerations.

Scripture References

For the Christian, voting in faith requires serious work. While God’s Word does not speak directly to voting, the Scriptures speak to the questions of leadership requirements, leadership disqualifications, citizenship responsibilities and faith over fear. Listed below are just a few:

Scripture References – Leadership Requirements

“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” (Exodus 18:21)

“Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.” (Deuteronomy 1:13)

“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”” (II Samuel 23:3)

Scripture References – Leadership Disqualifications

“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (II Timothy 3:1-5)

Scripture References – Citizenship Responsibilities

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” (Romans 13:1-5)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (II Corinthians 10:3-6)

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” (Hebrews 13:7)

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (I Peter 2:21)

Scripture References – Examples of Failed Citizenship Responsibilities

“They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold they made idols for themselves – that they might be cut off.” (Hosea 8:4)

“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” (Matthew 27:15-23)

“And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”? – as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.” (Romans 3:8)

Scripture References – Faith over Fear

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the works of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:1-5)

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9)

“Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” (Psalm 146:3)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1)

“Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord God of hosts will be with you, as you have spoken.” (Amos 5:14)

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

“Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying. ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:25-34)

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”” (Romans 1:17)

“He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us.” (Romans 4:20-24)

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (II Corinthians 5:20)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)

“Now the just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Final Thoughts

• It’s not about voting for the lesser of two evils, it’s about our obedience to God by voting in accordance with God’s Word.
• It’s not about choosing between two major party candidates, it’s about our obedience to God by voting in accordance with God’s Word.
• It’s not about voting for a bad candidate against a worse candidate, it’s about our obedience to God by voting in accordance with God’s Word.
• It’s not about voting for the candidate with the best chance of winning, it’s about our obedience to God by voting in accordance with God’s Word.
• It’s not about the eventual outcome, it’s about our obedience to God by voting in accordance with God’s Word.

Obedience to God, by voting in faith in accordance with God’s Word, is the first and only consideration for the Christian. All other considerations pale by comparison. To repeat, all other considerations pale by comparison.

We need to take the time to seek out the mind of Christ on how we should vote. We must be certain that we are acting in accordance with God’s Word, even though no one else will see what we do in the voting booth. God would not have us do wrong in order to bring about right. God would have us do right, no matter the consequences, while we leave the results to Him.

There’s no other way to live by faith or vote in faith.

For Further Study

“Why Principles Matter” by Lawrence W. Reed, Foundation for Economic Education https://fee.org/articles/why-principles-matter/

“Christian Voting: A Biblical Guide” by Bill Fortenberry, Increasing Learning http://www.increasinglearning.com/blog/christian-voting

“The Five Steps to Political Epiphany” by Cary Gordon, Peacemakers Institute http://stepstopoliticalepiphany.com/

“Living by Faith in the Word of God” by JP Jones, Truth That Changes Lives https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/truth-that-changes-lives/read/articles/living-by-faith-in-the-word-of-god-16222.html

“Live By Faith” by Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. https://thelife.com/live-by-faith

“How Should Christians Relate to Voting?” by BibleInfo, Common Bible Questions https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/how-should-christians-relate-political-process-voting

“How Should Christians Vote?” by Jonathan Chaplin, Past Director, the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics https://www.bethinking.org/human-life/how-should-christians-vote

“How Should Christians Decide to Vote?” by Joe Carter, the Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-should-christians-decide-to-vote/

“How Should a Christian Vote?” by Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus, Moody Church https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/read/articles/how-should-a-christian-vote-16983.html

“The Voice of Your Vote” by Dr. Tony Evans, the Urban Alternative https://tonyevans.org/the-voice-of-your-vote/

“Who Would Jesus Vote For?” by Chip Ingram, Founder and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge https://livingontheedge.org/2016/11/02/who-would-jesus-vote-for/

“Principles for Voting” by R.C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries https://www.ligonier.org/blog/principles-for-voting/

“You Are Not Morally Obligated to Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils” by Robert Coleman, Foundation for Economic Education https://fee.org/articles/you-are-not-morally-obligated-to-vote-for-the-lesser-of-two-evils/

“Voting in a Two-Party System: Ten Other Questions to Ask” by Kevin DeYoung, The Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/voting-two-party-system-questions-ask/

“How Not to Waste Your Vote: A Mathematical Analysis” by Stephen Weese, Foundation for Economic Education https://fee.org/articles/how-not-to-waste-your-vote-a-mathematical-analysis/

“Voting the Lesser of Two Evils?” by Sam Rohrer, American Pastors Network https://americanpastorsnetwork.net/2016/05/09/voting-the-lesser-of-two-evils/

“The Pretense of Lesser Evil Voting” by John C. Nugent, Think Christian https://thinkchristian.reframemedia.com/the-pretense-of-lesser-evil-voting

“Voting for the Lesser of Two Evils is Evil” by Peter Ditzel, Word of His Grace https://thinkchristian.reframemedia.com/the-pretense-of-lesser-evil-voting

“Should the Church be Involved in Politics?” by Chip Ingram, Founder and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge https://livingontheedge.org/2016/09/20/should-the-church-be-involved-in-politics/

“In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?” by Charles M. Sheldon (public domain) http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4540

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this talking about Presidential elections?

A. Yes, but not only Presidential elections. Every election is included.

Q. What about party primaries?

Party primaries, whether open or closed, are designed for a party to select its eventual nominee for the upcoming general election. In those cases, apply the principles as written to select acceptable candidates. If the acceptable candidates are affiliated with more than one major political party, then select one of those parties in the primary election and vote only for the acceptable candidates in that party. If all of the acceptable candidates are affiliated with parties other than the major political parties, we will not vote for candidates in the party primaries, but we can still vote for candidates and ballot proposals in the upcoming general election.

Q. We will never find a perfect candidate. Aren’t these principles unrealistic?

A. No. We are not looking for a perfect candidate. None will ever be found. We are looking for candidates whose views and lifestyle are consistent with God’s Word, candidates who are qualified for the position, and candidates who are not affiliated with a political party holding views contrary to God’s Word. These principles do not require a candidate to be perfect, nor do they require a candidate to be a believer. They do require a candidate to possess good character traits such as honesty, integrity and morality, and they do require a candidate to not take positions opposed to God’s Word.

These principles require us to exercise our faith. In faith, we cannot simply vote for one political party every time. In faith, we cannot simply settle for the lesser of two evils. In faith, we cannot vote based on our fear of what another candidate might do if elected. In faith, we must say, “God, I will follow Your Word and trust You for the outcome.” Saying that is easy, but actually doing it is difficult, as we are accustomed to walking by sight. Nevertheless, we are called to live and walk in faith.

Q. Suppose I complete the process and find only candidates that have no chance to win. Wouldn’t that vote be a wasted vote?

A. No. A vote cast according to the principles of God’s Word is not a wasted vote, it is a vote in faith. Further, it is a vote in obedience to those principles. When God’s Word speaks of selecting leaders, the qualifications of the individual are spelled out clearly. God’s Word never teaches that we must only vote for candidates from the two major parties. Further, God’s Word never teaches that we must vote to win. God’s Word does clearly teach that we must select qualified leaders, and the qualifications are given in God’s Word.

The problem with the ‘wasted vote’ line of reasoning is the conclusion that we are only obligated to do the right thing if the right thing is likely to succeed. According to God’s Word, we are to do the right thing – period. Put simply, we vote for the person who should win, not just the person we think can win.

We need to take the time to seek out the mind of Christ on how we should vote. We must be certain that we are acting in accordance with God’s Word, even though no one else will see what we do in the voting booth. God would not have us do wrong in order to bring about right. God would have us do right, no matter the consequences, while we leave the results to Him.

Q. What about casting a vote against a very bad candidate, especially if the other candidate seems to be better?

A. God’s Word does not teach strategic voting against a bad candidate. This strategy seems to make sense on a logical basis, but it does not follow God’s principles for selecting a leader. When leaders were selected in God’s Word, each individual was considered based on his or her own merit, not by how they compared to others who may have been worse. This strategy is similar to voting for the lesser of two evils, and such a vote is a vote in fear, not a vote in faith.

Q. I can never vote for one party because of its positions. Why not just vote for the other party then?

A. In many elections, there are more than two parties represented. If one party is Biblically off-limits, our decisions become easier, but we must still consider all other candidates, not just the candidates from the remaining major party. Just because one major party embraces positions we cannot support, this does not make the remaining major party acceptable. In this situation, we must remember that the remaining major party candidate is not automatically the best candidate, nor is that candidate automatically an acceptable candidate. We must stay with the principles in God’s Word, no matter where they may lead.

Q. Statistically speaking, my single vote will not affect the outcome of most elections. With this in mind, why should I go through this process when it won’t really matter anyway?

A. This statement about the outcome is generally correct, although there are local elections that have ended in a tie or have been decided by a single vote. The process is important because our top priority is not voting to win – our top priority is voting in obedience to the principles of God’s Word. When we cast a vote, we are not in it to win it; we are in it to please God by obeying Him. Our vote does matter because our responsibility is to vote in faith according to God’s Word. The eventual outcome is God’s responsibility. Our vote demonstrates our obedience (or lack of obedience) to God’s Word.

Q. Why do I need to go through this whole process for local elections, where the candidates cannot make a difference in nationwide issues?

A. First, we need to follow the principles of God’s Word in any and every case. We may not see the need for this, but the principles are still there and need to be followed if we are truly voting in faith. Second, candidates for national or statewide offices frequently get their start at the local level. While this is not universally true, it happens frequently enough for us to notice. A quick study of national officeholders, such as the President, Senators and members of Congress, shows that many had been school board members, township officials, city council members, or other local or state office holders. While we are voting in obedience to God’s principles rather than voting simply to win, our candidate at the local level stands a better chance statistically of winning with fewer votes. This is another reason why voting in faith is so important.

Q. What if I cannot find a candidate that is acceptable? Do I just not vote in that election?

A. This situation is likely to happen from time to time. If we have faithfully gone through the entire process, considered all candidates, and have come up empty, then we should either not vote for that position, or write in an acceptable candidate where write-ins are allowed. It is far better to obey God by not voting for any candidate than to disobey God by voting for a candidate that does not meet the principles of God’s Word.

Q. I’m a registered member of my chosen political party. Shouldn’t that count for something?

A. Nothing in this process requires us to change our party affiliation. That decision is between each voter and God. Whether the candidate from our preferred political party or a different candidate is the best candidate among acceptable candidates, we should vote in accordance with the principles of God’s Word. The principles of God’s Word outweigh the partisanship of the world. Again, we are voting in faith, not according to the outcome we expect. The outcome is in God’s hands. God never requires us to violate His principles (or support someone who does) to help Him in His work.

Q. Should we participate in campaigns, attend rallies, post yard signs, and participate in politics?

A. Absolutely. Nothing in these principles forbids us from actively supporting the best candidate among Scripturally acceptable candidates.

Q. I’ve been told that a third-party vote is actually a vote for the major party I oppose the most. Is this correct?

A. No. Depending on who we listen to, we are told that a third-party vote helps one or the other of the major political parties. It’s obvious that both statements cannot be true at the same time. This error comes about when we look at third-party votes and try to guess which major party candidate could have received that vote. This does not factor in voters who consistently support third parties. This also does not factor in third-party voters who would not have voted otherwise.

A third-party vote is simply that – a third-party vote. As believers, we are voting in faith for a candidate, not against one. Every candidate must be included in our considerations when voting in accordance with God’s Word.

Q. Should our church participate in politics?

A. No. Political activity is not the primary purpose of the church. The church’s primary responsibility is spiritual, not temporal. The church can, and should, address Biblical principles (whether they are considered to be political or not) but the church is not called to partisanship. The church is not a political organization, it is a spiritual one. As individual believers, we are free to participate in politics as long as we participate in accordance with the principles of God’s Word.

Q. This process goes against all I’ve ever believed and done about voting. Is this really necessary?

A. Yes, even though it may be difficult. We may feel that we are walking a lonely journey here. Partisanship is deeply ingrained in each of us. The overwhelming majority of voters are partisan voters, and many independent voters also tend to vote along partisan lines. We need to remember that right is not determined by the majority or by any political party, but by the principles of God’s Word.

Q. Do you have anything I can print out to assist me in this process?

A. Yes, the Voting in Faith flowchart is a handy guide to voting in faith. You can work through this guide ahead of time and take it to the polls as a reminder. Download the guide below.

Voting in Faith FlowchartDownload

(last updated May 29, 2024)