ARTICLE:

SHOULD CHRISTIANS VOTE?

       Of course God is greater than politics and if not checked,politics can become an idol.As patriotic Nigerians we all are aware of the rout and pandemonium that ensues at polling centers across the nation during election.The violence is almost becoming a norm,that characterizes election procedures in the country.Growing up in the heart of Lagos,i still remember vividly witnessing some of these scenarios.Yet for far too many,the issue of voting is still shrouded in a debate

 ''should believers take part in the politics of this world,especially elections?''

         Of course we are expected to vote for men and women of virtues,full of the spirit.
Now voting time is upon us again and some of us neglect the exercise on the basis of not being able to reconcile the political platform with the christian faith.As patriotic citizens,we should exercise our rights to vote as some people died to legalize such rights.What does the bible say about voting in elections?specifically nothing.Why?Consider that in the time of Jesus,the Jews were under the roman rule and they were not roman citizens.Therefore they were not permitted to vote.In fact,most roman citizens couldn't either,only the wealthy ones were allowed.But we recall the bible account in book of Acts.6:1-5 which  says;

''Now at this time when the disciples were increasing in number,a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews,because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said ''it is not desirable for us top neglect the word of God to serve tables.But select from among you brethren,seven men of good reputation full of the spirit and of wisdom whom we may put in charge of this task.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.And the statement found approval in the midst of the whole congregation and they chose Stephen,a man full of faith and of the holyspirit along with Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas,a proselyte from Antioch.''

             Clearly,the seven were to help protect the rights of the people and settle the dispute between Hellenistic Jews and the native Hebrews.In like manner,our elected government officials of today should help safeguard our rights.In those days,the criteria for election was faith,wisdom and being full of the spirit but what we have of our elected officials today is the contrary.In the elections of 2012 in the United States,Billy Graham began a campaign 'vote biblical values' in which he encouraged the people to vote for people who are espoused with biblical values and morality,men and women full of the spirit.
The heart of God is expressed in the bible as to His concern for government,leaders and leadership by telling us as Christians that we should pray in this vein when we look at the admonition in the following verses;

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

It is our duty as Christians and as citizens to participate in prayer for the elections and those who seek and gain power to lead. 

But are we to pray only and not vote?
 
So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? (James 2:17-20 NLT)

Some may say that the Bible doesn't say vote so I'm not doing it.So we pray in faith and then go to work; in this instance: THE WORK MEANS TO VOTE.

With our votes we can elect godly men and women who will make laws that conform to Biblical values.

            Thankfully not all of us are called to be political servants. The majority of us will never hold office but still, we have an important role to play. We must begin with prayer and discernment. We must educate ourselves on the stances of the candidates and vote accordingly.