Election seasons are always divisive for our country, but this election seems to be pitting Christians against Christians. Should all Christians vote the same way? Is there just one answer like on a college exam? I am praying that all Christians will vote. Is that a good prayer? Should all Christians vote? Are you sinning if you do not vote? Are you sinning if you vote prochoice? Are you sinning if you vote for someone who has moral failures? Can you vote if you refuse to vote for someone who moral issues?

The place I go to find answers to these questions is the Scriptures. Our election invites us to deeper spirituality. We have to fight the natural urges to allow the media and heated discussions and accusations to disturb our souls. The best way to have peace about voting is to pray through your vote and read God’s word for His personal answer. That is where I go to make my decision.

Here are some things I keep in mind about myself and others during the election. God’s Word is clear about how I am to treat others and is strong to imply to me what my voting is all about from His perspective.

1. My hope as a Christian is to pray for peace in my government so that I can live a quiet life serving God (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
2. It is the duty of the church and Christians to care for the poor (Galatians 2:10).
3. There is a healthy separation between our responsibility to the state and our responsibility to God (Matthew 22:21).
4. Life is sacred and given by God (Deuteronomy 30:19).
5. I am an alien here on earth; my true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
6. I am not to judge another person for the way he or she decides to vote (Matthew 7:1).
7. Whoever the leader of my country, it is my Christian duty to pray for that person (1 Timothy 1:1-2).

What scriptures have informed your vote? Have you been careful not to allow your vote to be decided by your reactions to what you hear from media and read about candidates without the context of prayer and asking for peace in your soul?

Let me offer this opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to touch your heart from this Psalm regarding voting. Answer these questions: What did God say? How will I obey? Does this inform my vote this year? I am praying for you as I pray for our country.

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.29)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah