“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
— Proverbs 14:34 ESV
I was sitting on the porch this morning watching my human drink coffee and read his Bible. He had that serious look on his face, the kind he gets when something on the television has caught his attention or when he’s trying to figure out why I dug another hole in the backyard.
This morning, though, he was talking about voting.
Now, I’m a dog. I don’t know much about politics. I know who’s supposed to fill my food bowl, who gets to sit in my favorite chair, and who better not come through my gate uninvited. But even I understand that choices have consequences.
My human reminded me that voting isn’t just a civic responsibility. For followers of Jesus, it’s also an opportunity to put our faith and values into action.
Here’s something worth remembering: Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t mean checking a box beside a particular political party, candidate, or personality. It means measuring the people and issues before us against the truth of God’s Word.
Our faith ought to shape what we value, what we stand for, and the choices we make. That includes how we vote.
We should care about life, truth, justice, compassion, integrity, personal responsibility, freedom, and the dignity of every person created in God’s image. We should take the time to learn where candidates stand, understand the issues, and prayerfully consider which choices most closely align with our biblical convictions.
And we ought to do it without surrendering our Christian character in the process.
You see, Jesus never called us to trade our faith for a political party, put our hope in a politician, or treat someone who disagrees with us like an enemy. Our allegiance belongs to Him first.
Voting matters, but it isn’t our Savior. A ballot can help shape the direction of a nation, but only Jesus can change a heart.
So don’t sit on the sidelines and complain about the direction things are headed if you haven’t taken the time to participate.
Pray.
Read.
Listen.
Learn.
Then show up and vote according to the convictions of your faith.
And when the election is over, remember that our responsibility to love our neighbors, speak truth, show grace, and live out the Gospel doesn’t end at the ballot box.
I may not get to vote, but I sure do know the importance of choosing wisely. After all, I once chose to chase a squirrel through the flower bed. Let’s just say that decision didn’t end well for anybody.
Here’s something to chew on today:
If someone looked at the way you vote, would they see evidence of the faith you profess?
Don’t just talk about what you believe. Let your faith inform how you live, how you treat people, and yes, even how you vote.
Because following Jesus isn’t something we put on hold when we walk into a voting booth.
It’s who we are.
Everywhere.
Every day.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
“Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
- Deuteronomy 1:13 ESV
