As American citizens it is our responsibility to participate in the form of government God has given us–a representative Republic. “We the people,” as stewards of our Republic, elect the leadership that represents us and our values. For this reason, it is not just our right, but our duty to exercise our right to vote in elections.
John Adams had the following to say on the importance of voting:
“…It becomes necessary to every [citizen] then, to be in some degree a statesman, and to examine and judge for himself of the tendency of political principles and measures.”
Indeed, as American citizens we assume leadership over our nation through our choices at the ballot box. But voting is about more than satisfying a civic responsibility.
As followers of God, we believe that voting is also paramount in preserving the moral code of the nation. Scripture makes it clear that government was instituted by God. Government is God’s societal institution of justice, and the connection between God and the civic order of America has been well noted since our nation’s founding.
John Quincy Adams once proclaimed that,
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people…it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
And yet, we now find ourselves straying further from these principles as forces within our nation become increasingly corrupt.
As our nation strays from our founding principles, it is no surprise that the quality of our leadership has come to reflect our failures.
Romans 13:4 says,
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” This tells us that our elected officials are meant to do the will of the Lord. They are God’s ministers in government.
In America, we have the right to choose our leaders. So, when these leaders do not uphold our values, it is on us to right the ship.
Most importantly, we must vote, and vote wisely, because the laws of our nation will be shaped by those we elect. Good leaders will pass laws that reflect God’s standards, guiding society toward what is right. Leaders who reward what is wrong and punish what is right imperil our nation, state, communities, churches, and families.
From the beginning, God has given us a choice. The most basic act of good citizenship is voting because, again, elections have very real consequences.. By making wise ballot choices, we decide who best represents God’s will for our country. Honor the inheritance of liberty that we have received in this nation through God’s grace, and honor God through your right to vote!
Take the pledge here to honor God and commit to vote this election season.
