Casting A Christian Vote
1 Timothy 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NKJV).
The iconic picture above is of nameless man the world has since called “Tank Man”, stopping a column of T59 tanks on 5th June 1989 in Tiananmen square. He was taking part in pro-democracy demonstrations, in which hundreds died. He was protesting the right many of us have, the freedom and the privilege of being part of a democracy, and having our say – via our vote – in the leadership of our country.
This Saturday here in New Zealand we go to the Polling Booths to decide our Government for the next three years. Wherever you live, PLEASE PRAY for New Zealand this Saturday. Thank you!
This Brief Word is not about Party Politics, or my personal views, as passionate as they may be! This is though about Politics. Because Politics is the science and art of government. And that affects us all. The Kingdom of God is inherently political – because it is about ruler-ship, submission, authority, administration of law and order.
You may say “I’m just not interested, it doesn’t concern me”. Well, it will do when you are restricted in sharing the Gospel with your friends, or get thrown into jail for reading the Bible aloud, when you have a brothel move in next door, when your children and grandchildren’s education and future is decided by the state. Every political decision will have its impact upon us or our loved ones somewhere along the line. Governments may come and go, but the laws they pass and set in place last longer, and are harder to change.
This is about the responsibility, the right, the privilege we have as Christians, and citizens of a democracy to vote, and have our say. We must Vote!
This is most importantly about the crucial part we as Christians can play in the democratic process and in the history of future generations. That is to PRAY! Now no Government or laws passed can really change a nation. Ultimately politics offers little change, but genuine change comes through changed hearts, which only occurs as people respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Changed hearts change a nation.
What does 1 Timothy 2:1-4 teach us about this important subject?
1. First of all, Pray! V1.
The first responsibility of Christians as we gather together is to pray! To seek His face, to come before Him, in worship, relationship, communion and communication. Prayer is the Church’s first outreach. Prayer is the Church’s powerhouse, it is the Church’s engine room. Without personal and corporate prayer, it’s like having all the plans and systems in place, but no electricity or power to operate them. God’s people praying can install, remove and change governments.
If we would take less time to criticise, and more time to pray, we would have less to criticise.
2. First Topic Of Prayer Is Government. V2a.
Wow! How many of us regularly pray for the government, local authorities, business leaders, those having national influence? Many of us pray, but do we pray for those in authority first? Derek Prince has some excellent suggested prayers for the government. (Check out your local Christian Bookshop for copies).
3. First Specific Topic of Prayer – Good Government. V2b.
If we are to, “…lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence …” then we need good government. Are you and I praying? Good government lets us get on with our life in peace.
Derek Prince says:
The Function of Good Government: To create and maintain a situation in which private citizens can lead quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty. They must maintain law and order, but they must not unduly interfere with the rights of private citizens.
4. Good Government Is God’s Will. V3.
Why are we to pray for Good government? Because it is God’s will. Sooner or later we must settle some issues about the will of God:
- Is sickness the will of God? Or is health the will of God?
- Is poverty the will of God? Or is prosperity the will of God?
- Is bad Government the will of God? Or is good Government God’s will?
The “This” in V3 refers to good government.
5. God’s Will Is For All To Be Saved. V4.
Good government, and God’s will, is that the message be freely preached, that men and women be saved from sin. Why does God want quietness and order through good government? A very practical reason. Because He desires all will come to know the truth. Under what circumstances is it easier to bring the truth to all men? Under good government.
God wants the Gospel preached to every nation, to every person. Good government makes that task easier. Good government enables the preaching of the Gospel. Because of a favourable environment.
We can make a difference, by praying, and thoughtfully, casting values based votes. We must seek God’s face and ask Him to heal our land. We must pray for good government, godly politicians, and peace in the land. We must place principle ahead of party and morals ahead of materialism. Our land needs healing. We can do something about it. Let’s pray.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV).
