By Rev.J. Thungjamo Lotha
As stated earlier, Politics, when looked at from the Christian perspective, is a gift of God. It was instituted by Him for the welfare of His people (Rom.13: 1-2). Politics, being an institution of God, is holy. Hence, it has to be used with reverence, in holiness and in righteousness. Our God, who has created us, is holy, and He wants us to be holy in all our conduct. 1 Pet. 1: 15 says, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” The simplest definition of the term “holiness” could be to “set apart.” In obedience to God’s command, let us set ourselves apart from all unclean food, unclean money, unclean election, and unclean power etc.
What does the Bible say about Christians voting?
It is true to state that ‘God’s original purpose for all human authorities is the good of the people they govern (Rom. 13: 1). When we say “good” we are referring it to God’s goodness (Rom. 13:4). A good human leader would be the one that reflects God’s character, principles, and purposes in his or her governance’. But many leaders are for themselves only. And so for whom should we vote to govern us in righteousness is the question asked today?
i. We can vote for any intending candidates that seek to further God’s will in our land (Matt. 6: 10).
ii. We can vote for any intending candidates that work to secure religious freedom in our land ( 1 Tim. 2: 1-2)
iii. We can vote for any intending candidates that display godly character and values ( Rom. 2: 14-15).
iv. We should not vote for money or nepotism
v. We should keep our vote holy. If we remain holy, our vote should also be holy. How to do that? People may sell their votes for money, that means their God-given rights are being sold. Let us not sell our votes or our rights. Our God-given rights should be honoured and loved. Rather, we can cast our votes, prayerfully as the Lord leads, for righteous leaders. Politics being holy, our votes should also be holy. With our holy votes, we can elect righteous leaders. God is happy with it, and we are blessed when God is happy!
What does the Bible say about righteous leader? Prov. 29: 2 says, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, when the wicked rule, the people groan.” New Living Translation says, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Our votes will determine what we want our land to be. If we vote for money then godly leaders cannot be expected to rule our land in righteousness. But if all of us give free vote then godly leaders can be expected. When wicked rules, there is always perplexity and confusion in the land. The need of the hour is, therefore, godly or righteous leader. While talking about Christian voting, Betty Miller says, “If we give support to anti-biblical teachings or support to anti-biblical ways of implementing them, then we are going against Christian principles. The Word of God is very clear that when we agree with God we will be blessed, but when we agree with things that are against His Word then will receive a curse.” The choice is ours: blessing or curse, and the time is coming. It is knocking at our doors. Let us, therefore, choose to elect righteous leaders with our holy votes and be blessed!
God bless Nagaland!
