Mail Call: What is your opinion on the Christian's responsibility regarding voting?

By Elizabeth Prata

Mail Call on the TV show M*A*S*H

Q.
I would like your opinion on the Christian's responsibility regarding voting.

A.
I'm not a good person to ask. I am very conflicted over my own behavior in this issue.

I used to be intensely involved in politics, being a reporter/editor of a weekly newspaper and covering all the politics there was. I had and still hold a firm belief that the US is the best country to live in, and that an aware and involved citizenry is what's best for America. However, I ingested a little too much of local politics back then covering it for the paper, and now I have a healthy distaste for all politics! The level of greed & corruption disgusts me, and the news media's current hatred toward all conservatives doesn't help. It's a minefield trying to educate myself on the local referenda or the national issues because of all the blatant fake news.

I do vote for President and usually Senator/Representative. But that is about it. I don't do a lot of research into local ordinances, zoning, or  ballots any more because it all still turns my stomach.

I also believe what John MacArthur preached as the Christian's responsibility toward government involvement. Here is the opening of his part 3 sermon on the topic, and of course he went on with scripture and biblical examples.

Christians and Politics part 3

My point is not that Christians should remain totally uninvolved in politics or civic activities and causes. They ought to express their political beliefs in the voting booth, and it is appropriate to support legitimate measures designed to correct a glaring social or political wrong. Complete noninvolvement would be contrary to what God's Word says about doing good in society: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10; cf. Titus 3:1-2). 

It would also display a lack of gratitude for whatever amount of religious freedom the government allows us to enjoy. Furthermore, such pious apathy toward government and politics would reveal a lack of appreciation for the many appropriate legal remedies believers in democracies have for maintaining or improving the civil order. 

A certain amount of healthy and balanced concern with current trends in government and the community is acceptable, as long as we realize that that interest is not vital to our spiritual growth, our righteous testimony, or the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Above all, the believer's political involvement should never displace the priority of preaching and teaching the gospel.

I am always trying to find that balance between what Dr MacArthur Mac phrased as "pious apathy" and the Bible's concept of "responsible involvement." I don't think I've hit it. And I always hold my nose whichever course I take. So those are my thoughts! What are your thoughts?


Question used with permission from sender.