If you are serious about being a salt and light Christian in this world, then you will vote!

For many Christians the Great Commission has become the Great Omission. For many Bible believers their Christian walk involves sitting back, living a quiet Christian life, going to church, work, school and engaging in the society around them in little meaningful ways when it comes to spreading the gospel or by being salt and light. Is this what Yeshua called his disciples to do? Or did he call them to bury their talent, to hide their light under a basket or be warriors who would confront the world around them with the message of the gospel and the truth of the Bible? Voting is one small way to help spread some light and salt in a spiritually dark and putrid world.

A question. Did YHVH lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land for them to then wall themselves off from other nations and just sit in the corner and sing Kumbayah for the next one thousand years? If so, then why did he geographically place Israel where several of the ancient world’s main trade routes intersected with each other, and then called the Israelites to be a light to the nations? No. They were called to be a light to the world (Deut 4:5–8). What’s more, it is true that Yeshua told his disciple that though they were in the world, they were not of this world. But was this a mandate for Christians piously to sit on the sidelines as the world around them goes to hell figuratively and literally? Is this what Yeshua’s disciples understood him mean? You know the answer! So then why do so few Christians who live in democratic nations fail to vote when their vote might make the difference between good and evil? 

Let’s face it. Interacting with this world is a dirty job! It requires putting on your rubber hip boots and mucking through the barnyard of a pagan and godless society. It is impossible to be salt and light in this world, and to win the lost without getting a little dirty. Yeshua is our example to follow in this. First he came from heaven to an earth full of filthy sinners like you and me. On top of this, the self-righteous religious establishment of his day castigated him for hanging out with the unwashed masses of common people, tax collectors, sinners and adulterers. In this, Yeshua set us an example, which his disciples followed throughout the Book of Acts and beyond to “go ye therefore into all the world, preach repentance from sin, the good news of the kingdom of Elohim, and to make disciples” who would then go and do the same. Wash, rinse and repeat!

So another question. What are you doing to be faithful to your Master’s command to be salt and light in this world? True, not everyone is called to be a street preaching evangelist, a missionary to Africa or a Mother Theresa, but everyone can do something! The cook in the galley or the janitor in the restrooms on a battleship is just as vital as the one who fires the 16 inch guns at the enemy, or even the captain of the ship, for the ship could not function without any of them. Whether you are doing little or a lot to help advance the kingdom of Elohim here on this earth, one thing is certain. We are all soldiers in YHVH’s spiritual army and being AWOL or absent without leave is not an option. Such a servant will, at the very least, be given little or no reward in the world to come, or at the most, he will be beaten with many stripes (Matt 25:24–30; Luke 12:47). Voting is one small thing that Christians can do to be salt and light in this world.

Many Christians do not vote for a variety of reasons. Some reasons may be valid, others may not be. Although democracy, as we know it, did not exist in Bible lands when the Bible was written, and thus the Scriptures do not specifically address this issue, interesting, the Bible does provide Christians with some compelling reasons why voting is a civil right that can actually help to expand biblical values to one degree on this earth. Moreover, the strong case can be made that if more Christians voted, the political and moral climate in one’s country would be better.  

Some Christians stay home on voting day because they feel that they are always voting for the lesser of two evils. This is likely true, but will there ever be a perfect candidate who checks all the boxes and meets all the criteria for being biblically righteous? Again, you know the answer. Are you perfect? Is their anyone who is? Has there ever been a perfect human—ever? Only one Person, and you know who that was! 

Other Christians refuse to vote because they believe that the elections are rigged and so their vote is pointless. This may be true, but maybe it is not always the case. Who knows for sure? If it is in our power to do good, shouldn’t we exercise that power as best we can (Jas 4:17)?

For my part, I was raised to believe that Christians should not vote since we are not citizens of any earthly kingdom, but part of the kingdom of Elohim. For me, this mentality had unintended and negative if not destructive consequences. It tended to take me out of the spiritual battle that is occurring on this earth between the forces of light and darkness, good and evil versus the antichrist spirit of this age. I found myself largely on the sidelines of the work that Yeshua the Messiah was doing on this earth. However, when I was an in my mid to late 20s that all changed. One day I changed my view of voting and went against the teachings of my church. My town was raising taxes and, at that time, I was hard pressed financially as I was starting a new business. Shouldn’t I have a say on how much money the politicians extracted from me? In answer to my own question, I registered to vote and have done so ever since.

The mentality of non-involvement with this world by refusing to vote caused me to overlook Yeshua’s clear command to his disciples and to us to occupy until he comes, to be salt and light, to do the great commission by preaching the gospel and making disciples. There are many implications and ramifications to this command, but one thing is certain: it does not mean for us to sit in the corner and do nothing—to be AWOL (i.e., absent without leave) from the spiritual battle to which YHVH has called us. We are to be active movers and shakers in helping to defeat the god of this world, to come against his minions, to stand against darkness and to help advance the kingdom of Elohim. Voting is one small way to occupy until Yeshua returns, to stand for righteousness and to help advance the kingdom of Elohim. Yes, ultimately, our battle is a spiritual one (2 Cor 10:4–5; Eph 6:10–18), but this battle is fought not only in the spiritual realm but also on the physical realm of which we are a part. If it were not, then why does Yeshua command us to preach the gospel and make disciples?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Eph 6:10–18)

YHVH is looking for human instruments who will do his work and rise up against evildoers and the workers of iniquity.

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (Ps 94:16)

But this beg a question. Is YHVH so impotent that he really needs man’s help? No. But he chooses to work through humans to accomplish his purposes on earth. But humans can only do this was they are helped or empowered by heaven. They are YHVH’s tools that he uses to accomplish his purposes on earth.

Unless YHVH had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. (Ps 94:17)

Thus opposing evil is a cooperative effort between YHVH in heaven and his servant on earth.

Through Elohim we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. (Ps 108:13).

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezek 22:30)

Biblical Reasons to Vote

Obviously, only obliquely does the Bible suggest the concept of voting. One time he asked the children of Israel to choose leaders who would be their judges (Deut 1:13). Another time, the Christians in the Book of Acts chose seven deacons—presumably by voting—from among themselves to serve in the church (Acts 6:3). Other than that, the Bible does not specifically address the concept of democracy and voting, but the Word of Elohim clearly lays out principles that will guide the saints in how to operate in this physical world as ambassadors for his heavenly kingdom, and it does not mean sitting in the corner and doing nothing!

Now consider these points:

• Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources YHVH has given to then including the opportunities to be a force for positive change in a dark and evil world. Voting is an opportunity to make our voice be heard. Voting not only affords us the opportunity to vote for good people, but also to vote on policies and moral that affect society as a whole such as abortion rights, legal justice, legalization of drugs like marijuana, civil liberties, homosexual marriage and the like. Why would we not want our voice to be heard in such cases? Are we being a profitable servant when we have the opportunity to be a force for good and fail to exercise our duty, right and privilege to do so?
• If we lived in a dictatorship like the ancient Roman empire, then voting would not be an option. But we live in a democratic nation where technically the people are the rulers who set a nation’s policies. Again, should not the saints make their voices be heard through voting and thus being a force for good while standing in opposition to evil?
• Yeshua commanded his disciple to be salt and light in this world, and to do good.
• You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matt 5:13–14)
• Yeshua rebuked his servants who bury their talents in the ground and do nothing to be a profitable servant to help expand his kingdom (Matt 25:14–30). If we have the power to help change things on this earth for the better, then as ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven, shouldn’t we want to do our part?

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34:14)

• YHVH is in charge of all things. His will will be done, but we must also do our part. Yeshua commanded us to preach the gospel. This doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing. There are many ways to “preach” the gospel. Voting is one way to do this. Too often evil triumphs when good men do nothing. For example, slavery ended in England and America because good men rose up against it.

Trust in YHVH, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. (Ps 37:3)

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (Jas 4:17)

• Yeshua calls us to occupy [i.e., to busy oneself with, that is, to trade] until he comes (Luke 19:13). We are called to be workers—not sitters and loafers!— in Yeshua’s vineyard (Matt 20:1–16). This means being involved with helping to expand the Father’s kingdom in the natural world. When Yeshua walked this earth, he  did not just sit in a cave or under an olive tree and pray, meditate and read his Bible. No! He was out interacting with people on the front lines in the physical world. He expects us to follow his example. Isn’t that what being a Christian is all about?

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. (Matt 24:45–47)

And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matt 25:33–40)

Reasons Some Christians Give For Not Voting

Some Christians fail to vote because they believe that their vote doesn’t matter because evil people have already determined the outcome. This may be true in many, but where is one’s faith in Elohim? YHVH is still on his throne and has the ultimate say about everything that happens on this earth. As members of the spiritual body of Yeshua, we are YHVH’s hands and feet to help spread his kingdom on earth in every way possible. Voting is one little way we can help to do this. Even if what I vote for is defeated, it still sends a signal to evil doers that there are people who are opposed to their evil doings, and this may cause them to thick twice, or encourage others who didn’t vote this time to vote the next time.

When it comes to voting for people, it seems that we are always voting for the lesser of two evils. This will always be true until Yeshua is universally in charge of the kingdoms of this world during the Millennium, our choices for leaders will always to be the lesser of two evils whether it is a president, governor, mayor, pastor, elder, husband or a human leader of any kind. Elohim is well aware of human failings. The Bible reveals that Elohim in his sovereignty and grace works with many flawed individuals to accomplish his purposes on earth. This is why the Bible speak of the good, better, and perfect will of Elohim. Not everything is the perfect will of Elohim, but in his infinite wisdom and power, he knows how to navigate those waters!

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Elohim. (Rom 12:2)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Elohim’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

With eyes wide open to the mercies of Elohim, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let Elohim re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of Elohim for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. (Rom 12:1–2, Phillips)

Do Not Put Your Trust in the Political System

Voting is a right and a privilege and a way to make your voice be heard—a way to be salt and light, but do not put your trust in the world’s political system. 

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says YHVH, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore the strength of Pharaoh Shall be your shame, and trust in the shadow of Egypt Shall be your humiliation. (Isa 30:1–3)

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of YHVH our Elohim. (Ps 20:1)

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek YHVH! (Isa 31:1)

No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. (Ps 33:16)

A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. (Ps 33:17)

Behold, the eye of YHVH is on those who fear Him, opon those who hope in His mercy… (Ps 33:18)

Ultimately, YHVH is in charge of all human political affairs. But this does not mean that Christians are supposed to sit back and do nothing. Again, as James states, if it is in our power to do good, then we are mandated to do so (Jas 4:17).

The king’s heart is in the hand of YHVH, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Prov 21:1)

What’s more, the Bible reveals that down through Israel’s long history, YHVH used several unsavory and non-believing leaders and entities to accomplish his purposes including Pharaoh, Nebuchanezzar, Cyrus, Balaam’s donkey, evil spirits and even Satan himself. He can even use rocks to do his bidding (Matt 3:9)! So Christian, get out and vote!