If a Christian Doesn't Vote, Will They Get Fired?

On this election eve, I thought I'd share an American parable.

Romans 13 tells us that God establishes government, and he grants authority to those in charge. In the United States, this God-given authority flows from the citizens to elected officials.

In a Constitutional Republic the citizens are at the top of the organizational chart. They are responsible to choose their leadership. And those elected officials are responsible to represent the will of their voters. Your vote represents your will.

In this way, God will hold Christians accountable for their vote.

Remember the parable from Matthew 25 where Jesus tells us about three managers?

A man going on a trip entrusted money to his three servants, each according to their abilities. The first two invested and doubled their amounts, but the third, fearing loss, buried his share. When the man returned, he praised the first two for their efforts and made them his partners. The third, who played it safe, was harshly rebuked and cast out for failing to make any use of his opportunity.

And so if your vote is like money to be invested, maybe Jesus would tell us the parable this way.

An Executive went on an extended trip and entrusted the vote to his three employees, each according to their abilities. The first two voted and encouraged others to vote, but the third, fearing loss, buried his vote. When the Executive returned, he praised the first two for their efforts, and promoted them. The third, who played it safe, was harshly rebuked and then fired.

Jesus turned to his disciples and said, "Don't be that guy."

As Christians, our votes are an opportunity to exercise stewardship and influence government for the good of the nation. Like the servants in the parable, we're accountable for using our resources wisely. When casting your vote, remember that personalities come and go, but policies have long lasting consequences. Vote for the policies that align most closely with God's values.