When voting keep your Biblical values in mind

By the time you read this, you will most likely have voted. Voting is a right and a privilege, especially when you consider that in many countries people don’t have that right. I’m kind of fascinated by the things people vote for or against. I think it’s important to be an informed voter. There are always those tricky propositions. I say tricky because lately it seems many of those propositions are written to trick us into voting a particular way. It’s worth your time to do a little homework so you don’t end up voting for something you are opposed to.

I’ve talked to a lot of people throughout my life who voted for someone or against someone based on their personality. I have some opinions about that. Have you ever met someone who had a charming personality but terrible values? Some politicians can charm the socks off you, but before you fall for a personality, it’s important to know where they stand on important issues, especially whether those issues line up with the Bible or not. Some politicians don’t have much charisma, but their platforms and voting records line up more with the Bible. I know we all want a fair and just country, so the question becomes, which political party or which candidates do I believe have the best interest of our communities, our states, and our country?

You’ve probably heard it said, “Vote your conscience.” I think that's a good idea if your conscience lines up with the Bible. This is another reason it’s important to read your Bible. The Bible gives us the Ten Commandments. Do you know them, and if so, do they inform the way you vote? You should also read the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. You can find this in Matthew, chapters 5–7.

Even if the people you voted for or the propositions you voted for lose, keep praying for our leaders. Jeremiah 29:7 says, “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Sometimes we might feel like we are living in exile, but Jesus called us to represent him in this world, and that includes the way we vote.

Stay close to Jesus,

Steve