Are you feeling jaded about the election in just two weeks? No doubt this has been one of the ugliest and most peculiar political seasons any of us have witnessed. Some of you may even be thinking of not casting a vote on Nov. 8.
I hope to change your mind.
Even when our choices aren’t as clear as we’d like, elections are a God-given opportunity. Asked whether God’s people should pay taxes to a pagan, corrupt government, Jesus referenced a Roman coin. Since the currency bore Caesar’s image, Jesus instructed the people to “give to Caesar what is his and to God what is His” (Matt. 22:21).
Believers can engage with civil government without compromising their faith. You may be unhappy with the candidates, but you can still influence the culture in a positive direction. Even if it’s Caesar’s ballot, you can bring God’s values to your vote.
As my good friend and mentor, the late Chuck Colson, said, “Christianity is personal, but it’s not private.” In Acts, the apostle Paul tells us that God determines the times and places in which we live. As Christians, this cultural moment is ours to engage.
Even if certain candidates for office have left you scratching your head, there is a hierarchy of social issues where Christians have an opportunity to make their voices heard loud and clear. Congress, one-third of the Senate, 12 gubernatorial races, a majority of state legislatures, and hundreds of ballot measures are all in play.
Many Christians are looking for guidance and insight as they consider their choices. To help you with that, we’ve created a website providing links to 38 state family policy councils associated with Focus on the Family. Each of them offers voter guides for the state they represent. Our website also includes a downloadable family election kit. It has activities for every age that will help you teach your children the importance of participating in a democratic republic.
We’re also discussing the “The Importance of Voting” on our broadcast today with John Stonestreet, the executive director of the Chuck Colson Center of Christian Worldview. Also with us is Carrie Gordon Earll, our vice president of government and policy here at Focus.
We won’t tell you what party or candidate to vote for, but we will answer questions that many Christians are contacting us about here at Focus. I believe our discussion will help you think through some of the biggest issues at stake in this election. And, hopefully, after you’ve heard what our guests have to say, you’ll be encouraged to get out there and vote.
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