How should I vote?

 

How should I vote?

Because Baptists believe in the priesthood of all believers, politics and who you should vote for are not usually matters we express ourselves about. Furthermore, Baptists also believe in the separation between church and state and therefore believe that the church should refrain from making political statements. However, this does not mean that believers who are Baptists should not vote, it is one of those areas in which each believer must decide for himself. At the same time, because Baptists are serious about the Word of God being our guide in all matters of life, we must examine what the Word of God says about the matter. So while this is not an attempt to dictate to any of you who to vote for, or whether to vote alone, I would like to point out what God expects of governments and thus guide each of you who wants to vote for God's sake e search in how you vote. 

From the Scriptures we find at least four expectations that God has of governments: 

1)They must protect people's lives

When God established human governments, He gave them the mandate to protect human life. Because humans, unlike any other creature, are created in the image of God (Genesis 9:6), their lives are more precious than any other. This value of human life does not begin at birth, but right from the moment of conception. That is why believers should vote for parties that protect even the life of unborn babies. Any party that approves abortion, for example, does not respect God's mandate to protect life (Proverbs 24:11-12). 

2)They must show integrity

From those who rule over us, God expects integrity. In ruling, they must be free from greed, bribery, perversion of justice and partiality for the benefit of certain persons. Two text verses help us to see what God's expectation is in matters. 2 Samuel 23:3 “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God.”  Exodus 18:21 “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe.” Believers should desire to support parties known to be people of integrity who desire to seek the best interests of all citizens. 

3) They must maintain law and order

Augustine once said that government is a necessary evil, because humanity is evil. In doing so, he made it clear that one of the primary functions of government is to counteract evil and encourage justice by maintaining law and order (Romans 13:1-4). Any person who, through his actions, harms his neighbour must be prevented by legislation, so that, as Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:2, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Policing, Justice systems and penal practices must be in place to promote the well-being of all people and thus curb evil in society. 

4)They must protect property

From Exodus 20:15, 17 it is clear that God recognizes man's right to own property and governments should protect this right. When governments find themselves guilty of land or property expropriation without compensation (which is theft) they are thereby acting contrary to God's will. Furthermore, if they place excessive taxes, fines or other charges on property in an attempt to enrich themselves, they thereby show contempt for the freedom and rights of their citizens. These are things that do not honour God.

 

These are at least four areas in which the Word of God is quite clearly expressed about God's expectation of governments. I want you to note that God does not expect governments to support a particular faith (hence the Baptist principle of 'separation of church and state'). While it is good for the state to support the poor, offer medical services and giving education, these are not things that God specifically expects of them.

 

While Baptists (me included) are not prescriptive or even specifically outspoken on political matters, we recognize that God has certain expectations of governments, and if we as believers decide to vote, we should vote in accordance with what God expects of governments thus honouring God in how and where we draw our cross.

However you choose to exercise your priesthood as a believer on voting day, I pray that you will put your love for God first and honour Him in how you do it.

 

ds. Leon Harmse, 

the pastor of Sunward Park Baptist Church