A Word to the Wise from God’s Word and Evangelist

Like the ever increasing number of my fellow citizens frustrated with our choice of presidential candidates in this November’s General Election, I still must exercise my civic right and moral duty to vote.  Perhaps the words of a respected evangelist would be of help.

Billy Graham has urged U.S. citizens to exercise their right to vote this election season – even if they don’t fully approve of any particular presidential candidate.

In a recent column shared on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association webpage, the 97-year-old Baptist pastor shared his thoughts in response to a reader who asked whether everyone ought to vote.  “The Bible says we should do everything we possibly can to be good citizens and work for the betterment of our society, and one of the ways we can do this is by voting,” Graham said.  “God tells us to ‘seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you.’” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Graham acknowledged that many Christians are disillusioned by what they see in politics today.  “However, this will not be changed if concerned people refuse to vote, if good people refuse to run for office, or if no one votes for them.  In other words, staying away from the voting booth may only perpetuate the problems you see,” the evangelist  wrote.

Graham recalled how, in the first century, Christians in the first century didn’t have the privilege of voting; Caesar was a dictator, not elected by popular vote.  Nevertheless, the early believers were commanded to do the one thing they could do to make the world a better place: They were told to pray.

The evangelist went on to cite the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority.”  Graham concluded: “Our world will never be perfect-not until Christ returns.  But in the meantime, God wants to use us to overcome sin and establish a more just world for His glory.”

Earlier, Graham encouraged Christians to understand they have a “God-given responsibility” to vote: “We should do everything we can to encourage and support good government – including voting.  Understand the issues ... know where the candidates stand on them ... ask God to guide you – and then vote.”

Graham concluded, “Beyond that, however, pray for our nation and its leaders – not just the President, but all who’ve been entrusted with public office.  It’s the most important thing you can do.”

Amen! and Amen!

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel