'Why vote?' It's a big question for Christians, especially in a culture that feels increasingly far from Christian values. Is there any point?
We get this a lot!
Whilst politics in a broken world can be deeply discouraging at times, we believe that voting matters. Here are ten reasons to #GetOutAndVote.
1. Christians believe that mankind has been created to rule the earth and subdue it. Government is a means by which we steward God’s creation. (Genesis 1:28)
2. When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, he said to love God and to love your neighbour. Voting is one way we can work on behalf of those around us. (Mark 12:28-34)
3. Even though we may feel like exiles in conflict with the world today, God wants his people to seek the peace and prosperity of our nation. (Jeremiah 29:7)
4. Christians have a special calling to speak up on behalf of the voiceless and the most vulnerable. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
5. We believe that God has revealed to us his good law which helps humans to flourish, and we want to see it reflected in the laws our governments pass. (Psalm 19:7-10)
6. God calls us to submit to the governing authorities who we elect through our votes. (Romans 13:1-7)
7. The Bible tells us about occasions where leaders have led their people astray; the politicians we elect will shape our nation, and can lead people closer to or away from God. (Isaiah 9:16)
8. Jesus says that we should steward the gifts which God gives us. Many people in history have not had the gift of a voice in a fair, democratic election like we do. (Matthew 25:14-30)
9. God will hold us accountable for the actions we do not take, just as He will for those we do take. Not voting is not a neutral act: we are still influencing the outcome, just as if we do vote. (James 4:17)
10. The Bible shows us that we are to care for our political leaders and to pray for them, so that we might live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is to be our aspiration for the politicians we elect. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)