Dear Harvest Family,

During the month of October, we are using this newsletter to explore some biblical principles for thinking clearly and acting faithfully in the run up to the election in November.

The previous newsletters in this series have broadly considered the political nature of the gospel, the God-ordained roles of the church and the state in God’s plan for society, and the unseen spiritual dynamics and forces that lie behind all earthly power and authority.

Now that the election is less than 1 week away, it is time to talk about voting.

To be clear, the Bible does not speak directly to the matter of voting. There is no biblical mandate to vote, and there is no direct teaching in the Bible to describe the criteria by which we should make our voting decisions.

However, there are a wealth of passages in Scripture that present principles that should inform our perspective on the act of voting, the evaluation of candidates, and the consideration of issues and policies.

As I’ve prayed about the election and our church’s engagement with it, there are a few texts from Scripture that I feel would be fruitful for you to meditate on as you ponder your options at the ballot box.

It’s not my job as a pastor to tell you who to vote for, and it would be unwise for me to tell you what to think about every issue. But I can point you to God’s word and give you some frameworks for how you can think biblically about the choices you’ll face as you vote.

In no particular order, here are some passages of the Bible to meditate upon before you cast your vote. These may not settle every decision for you, but they will help you think faithfully about the choices you face.

1. First, there’s the passages of Scripture that lay out how we should navigate areas of life where God’s word doesn’t give us a black and white answer – places like Romans 14:1-23 and 1 Cor 10:23-33. These texts offer many principles that are helpful with matters such as voting, where God’s word doesn’t speak directly to the particular choices we face. From these texts, we might ask ourselves the following questions as we think about any given office or issue that we’re voting on:

• How is my choice honoring to the Lord, and in what ways would it bring glory to him?

• Is there anything about my choice that would create a stumbling block or hindrance to other believers?

• If known by others, what impact would my choice have upon my relationship with fellow church members? Would it make for peace and mutual upbuilding?

• Does my vote involve me lending approval to something God would condemn?

• Can I cast this vote with a clear conscience before God and man, or would the choice I’m considering violate my own conscience?

2. Second, there’s passages such as 1 Peter 2:12-17 and Ephesians 5:1-17. In these texts, we get guidance about how we can navigate those times when the world approves of something God says is wrong. As it pertains to voting, you might ask:

• To what extent does this candidate define right and wrong in the same way that God does in Scripture? Do they affirm what God rejects? Do they object to what God affirms? The God-ordained role of the government is “to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good” (1 Pet 2:14), so it matters how a candidate defines good and evil.

• Would a vote in favor of this candidate or resolution help or empower the candidate or others to engage in any practices that God’s word explicitly condemns? Would I become a partner in sin by this vote (Eph 5:7-10)?

• Am I attempting to do what is ‘pleasing to the Lord’ with my vote, or am I using my freedom ‘as a cover-up for evil’?

3. Third, there’s passages which describe wisdom and folly and the consequences of each, particularly among leaders (Prov 10:17; 11:14; 14:28; 16:12; 17:7; 20:28; 21:1; 24:5-6; 25:5; 28:16; 29:2; 29:4; 29:12; 29:18). The Bible could not be more clear that character counts in leadership! When people are led by a fool, the people will suffer. A ruler’s policies cannot be separated from his character. You might ask:

• How much do I know about the character of the candidates? What can I find out?

• Does this candidate possess the character qualifications to exercise power responsibly?

• Of the available options, is there a clear difference in the character of the candidates?

4. Fourth, there’s the passages on citizenship in Philippians 1:27-30 and 3:20-21. Here Paul reminds us that our fundamental calling and loyalty is to Christ and his kingdom. From these texts, you might ask:

• How will my vote impact the progress of the gospel in my community? In my state? In my nation? Around the world?

• If all Christians voted as I am voting, what would that do for the church’s witness?

• If my neighbors knew how I am voting, how would that impact their receptiveness to the gospel?

I hope that these newsletters have helped you to feel equipped as you approach this election. I am praying for you and for our church in this season, expectant that the Lord will bring us unity and gospel progress as we seek to serve him as citizens.

In Christ,

Ben Wilson