Make A Virtuous Vote
We are in an election year, both in Canada and the United States. There are many in both countries who either do not vote, or vote for the wrong reasons. Though the Bible does not speak about elections and voting, I would suggest that the Christian has a responsibility to vote, especially when there are moral issues at stake.
That God has authorized government is evident, as we read in Romans 13:1,
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
No particular type of government is authorized - monarchy, empire, dictatorship, democracy - all are acceptable forms of government in which good works may be rewarded and evil avenged (13:3-4). Those who live in a democratic society ought to be aware of the wonderful freedom which is our's - namely that we have input into the working of our government.
So, how should we approach this responsibility and freedom which is our's living in a democratic society? It is interesting to note that some of the reasons people give for voting a certain way mirror the reasons that some people will give for being a part of this or that church.
That's How Mom & Dad Voted.
We learn several things from our parents. Hopefully one of those things is to think for ourselves. When one votes for a certain political party, because their parents voted that way, it demonstrates a lack of preparation for the decision made, and perhaps equally a lack of interest in the outcome of the same.
I Like The Candidate.
It is important that we are comfortable with the particular candidate who we choose to represent us in parliament. However, we should be careful that we like the candidate for the right reasons. Is he charismatic, and easily draws a following? Is it his appearance that compels a vote? is there some quirk about him that appeals to you?
“...the Christian has a responsibility to vote...”
Whether it be religion or politics, it is necessary to look beyond the man, his personality and physical attributes, and consider the message he brings. With regard to a preacher, we want to be sure that he is teaching the truth. Of the politician, we want to be sure that he is trustworthy, and that he will stand for morality in his position as our representative in government.
I Have Always Voted For That Party.
Just because we've always done something doesn't make it the right thing to do. Things that are wrong do not become right through the passage of time. And, keep in mind that men and women, and the platforms of political parties change with time. The party that we happily voted for several years ago may not be the right party to vote for today. It is important that we keep current with positions held by political parties and their representatives, lest we end up supporting a regime that will do contrary to morality.
How Do I Decide Whom To Vote For
You have noticed that at least a few times, I have mentioned morality. For the Christian, this is the primary concern. Certainly, fiscal policies will affect us, but our concern should be with moral things. What does this or that political party believe regarding issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, punishment of crimes, etc.. These are the topics that ought to concern us.
Let me be so blunt as to say that a Christian who supports with his or her vote a political party or representative who takes a loose view, or has no concern for moral issues, sins. If receiving and greeting a false teacher with regard to the gospel makes us an accessory "in his evil deeds" (2 John 10-11), shall we be guiltless if we put our support behind a politician who is contrary to the moral standard which God has given?
Friend, take advantage of the great opportunity and privilege which is your's in a democratic society. But do so cautiously - make a virtuous vote, standing for morality.
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Answering The Atheist
The Atheist's Complaint:
How many did God kill for "committing whoredom with the daughters of Moab"? Was it 23,000 (1 Corinthians 10:8), or was it 24,000 (Numbers 25:9)? Is there a contradiction?
Response:
Certainly, 23,000 (1 Corinthians 10:8) and 24,000 (Numbers 25:9) are NOT the same number, though it is evident that both Paul and Moses were speaking about the same event. How then do we reconcile the obvious difference between the two texts? There are a few possibilities.
1) The Leaders Were Distinguished.
It may be that in the number given by Moses, the leaders were distinguished from the common people, whereas Paul lumps all who were killed together. Notice,
Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the LORD, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.' (Numbers 25:4)
How many leaders were there? We are not told. Could there have been 1,000 leaders who were put to death on that day?
23,000 - who died directly from the plague
1,000 - leaders who were hung
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24,000 - total number who died
2) Rounded Number.
It may be that the exact number of the people killed in the plague was neither 23,000 nor 24,000, but that these numbers were given by the respective writers as a rounded number. Men often will use rounded numbers when speaking about events, populations, etc.. The exact number may have been 23,501.
3) More Than One Day?
Paul says that 23,000 died in one day. Is it possible that the other 1,000 that are referenced by Moses died in the next day? For example, from the hour at which the wrath of God was upon His people, until the end of 24 hours, 23,000 peopled died, but another 1,000 were deceased on the next day also, before the Lord's wrath ceased?
What is the solution? I do not know. Moses knows, as would his contemporaries, and of course the Lord knows. It is possible even the apostle Paul was not aware of the finite details of the events of that day. However, there are thee possible solutions, and perhaps others which have not been presented here.
Given that there are at least three possible responses, it should be evident that there is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible.