This year’s national election is both contentious and significant. Some Christians are confident in their vote, while others feel uncertain or even disengaged from the political process. During election season, my responsibility as a pastor is to shepherd the church towards being good citizens who honor those in authority (Rom. 13:7), while also leaving room for the freedom of conscience shaped by the word of God (Rom. 14:5). Pastors should not bind the consciences of the sheep in areas where the Bible is not clear. For example, telling them that they are sinning if they choose not to vote, or that they are not “true Christians” unless they vote a certain way. When pastors stand in the pulpit, they are preaching in the sight of God and before the judgement seat of Christ (2 Tim. 4:1-1-5). Therefore, they ought not prostitute the pulpit for political purposes. Rather, they should use it to prepare the saints for the day when they meet Jesus, and to seek and save the lost.

Regardless of where we fall on the spectrum, we can find unity in how we approach the election. As followers of Christ, we should be mindful of several biblical principles that guide us in how we vote as Christians. Here are six principles to consider:

1. Vote with Prayer

As citizens of heaven, we’re called to pray for our leaders and government (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Before we cast a vote, we should first seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Our political engagement should begin on our knees, praying for those in office, those running for office, and for the nation as a whole.

Pray that God would raise up leaders who will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Pray for the protection of freedoms that allow us to worship and live out our faith. Also, pray for a peaceful election process, for integrity in the results, and for healing of political division in our country. Whether or not we agree with the candidates available, we must lift them up in prayer and trust that God’s hand is sovereign over all rulers and authorities.

2. Vote with Purpose

The Bible doesn’t directly command us to vote, but it does call us to honor our rulers, pay our taxes, and engage responsibly in civic life (Rom. 13:7). In a democracy like ours, voting is an important way to participate and be good citizens. While it may be tempting to abstain from voting due to frustration with the character or behavior of the candidates or the political system, we should not take our responsibility lightly. 

We live in a country where we have the privilege of choosing our leaders. Abstaining from voting can be an option in cases of conscience, but it is not something we would encourage. It should not be a casual decision or one driven by apathy, or merely because you don’t like the candidates. Rather than think about voting for a person, think about voting for what a candidate says they will seek to do for the good of our nation. Participation in elections is one way we can seek the welfare of our nation (Jer. 29:7) and care for our neighbors, which is why Christians should engage in the process thoughtfully and purposefully.

3. Vote with Knowledge

As Christians, we should vote with a well-informed mind and a biblically-shaped conscience. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the political landscape, but our decisions should be grounded in Scripture and truth. Here are a few important issues Christians should weigh carefully when voting. While they are not the only important issues, they are issues which the Bible speaks very clearly.

• Sanctity of Life: One of the most important issues for Christians is the protection of human life, especially for the unborn. Does the candidate uphold the sanctity of life from conception to natural death? Policies on abortion, euthanasia, and bioethics are critical to examine.

• Religious Liberty: As believers, we should be concerned with preserving the freedom to practice our faith without interference. Will the candidate safeguard the rights of Christians and other religious groups to live out their beliefs in public life, without fear of persecution or discrimination?

• Peace and Prosperity: The prophet Jeremiah urges us to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which we live (Jeremiah 29:7). Do you believe the candidate will bring about the most peace for our nation by preventing and protecting from war? Do you believe they will bring about prosperity to the most amount of people in our country? 

• Justice for the Weak and Vulnerable: The Bible repeatedly calls for justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized (Isa. 1:17). Does the candidate show concern for those who cannot defend themselves, such as the poor, immigrants, orphans, and widows? Their stance on the justice system, healthcare, and poverty should reflect biblical justice.

• Marriage and Family: Marriage between one man and one woman is a biblical foundation for a flourishing society. Does the candidate support policies that align with a biblical view of marriage, family, and parental rights?

• Gender and Sexuality: How do the candidates’ positions on gender identity, LGBTQ+ policies, and the protection of children align with biblical teaching on human sexuality? Are their policies aimed at promoting healthy families and safeguarding children from harmful ideologies?

Becoming informed about these issues requires effort, but it’s essential. Beyond the presidential race, we should also pay attention to local and state elections, which often have a more direct impact on our daily lives. Voting with knowledge means being diligent about understanding the issues and the candidates.

4. Vote with Humility

Have you noticed how devout Christians who love Jesus and believe the Bible can arrive at different political conclusions? This can be bewildering, but it underscores the need for humility in our political conversations. No political party or candidate will ever perfectly represent biblical truth, and reasonable Christians may prioritize different issues.

For instance, one Christian may feel that economic policy and national security are of primary importance, while another may prioritize social issues like life and religious liberty. We must recognize that political decisions are complex, and there is room for honest disagreement among believers.

Paul tells us to "clothe ourselves with humility" (1 Pet. 5:5). That means showing respect for those who hold different convictions. Rather than dismissing or judging others, we should engage in respectful dialogue, listen to understand, and always remember that our unity in Christ is greater than our political differences. Political humility reflects our deeper commitment to love and honor one another (Rom. 12:10).

5. Vote with Faith

As Christians, our faith should guide all our decisions—including our political engagement. Romans 14:23 reminds us, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Our vote must proceed from a place of faith, trust in God, and a clear conscience before him. If we are voting out of fear, blind allegiance, or pressure, we are not honoring God with our decision.

Voting with faith means asking God for wisdom and discernment in making political choices, trusting that he will guide us. It also means trusting that he is in control of the outcome. When we vote, we do so in light of our eternal hope in Christ, knowing that no political system or candidate can ever replace his rule in our lives.

6. Vote with Hope

Ultimately, our hope is not in any political leader, party, or nation. No matter who wins the election, our true King remains Christ, and his Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). After the election, regardless of the outcome, Christ is still on his throne, and our hope remains secure in him.

Governments will rise and fall, but God’s sovereignty never changes (Rom. 13:1). We are called to live as citizens of heaven first, with our eyes fixed on the eternal Kingdom of God. We are to be in the world, but not of it. The work of God’s Kingdom—sharing the gospel, loving our neighbors, seeking justice, and walking humbly—continues regardless of who holds political power.

It’s easy to place too much weight on the political process, as if the future of the church or the gospel depends on it. But the Bible tells us that our hope and security are in Christ alone. When the election is over, and the dust settles, our mission remains: to make disciples of all nations, spread the love of Christ, and live for his Kingdom.

Sincerely,

Pastor Mike McKinney

Philippians 3:20-21, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”