What All Christians Need to Know Before They Vote

This is an email letter from Africa Christian Action.

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THE ELECTIONS: WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE THEY VOTE Politics has always been a contentious subject and together with ‘religion’ has caused more unrest and division than any other factor (apart from greed of course, for we know that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” 1 Tim 6:10). One has to ask why this is so? Very simply because politics affects nations, generations and each and every one of us on a grass roots level. Why then, do many Christians and particularly the Church, run away from political engagement? Why is it that Christians can differ so significantly on who they vote for and why, when we serve the same God and read the same Bible? In Hosea 4:6 the Lord says “My people perish for a lack of knowledge”. Many Christians do not know the Biblical mandate they have from God, to vote, to hold their governments accountable and to play a role in societal change. It is partly due to this apathy and ignorance that the Church (and Christian individuals) has usurped its role in keeping governments accountable. 2 Chronicles 7:14 clearly outlines what God thinks about this: “If My people who are called by My Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Your responsibility We cannot expect ‘government’ to run society along Biblical values, if WE do not elect a Biblical party. Every Christian needs to vote and they need to vote according to Biblical values. We do not prescribe who you should vote for, however when you look at the Biblical Voters' Guide and you see what every party stands for, you as a Christian can surely only vote for a Christian party. If every Christian voted for the Christian option, we would see our nation transformed. God will hold us accountable, because we are the electorate who have the power to choose Godly government. Elect Godly leaders Even if you dont like the leader/representatives within the Christian party options, you are obligated to vote for them (as long as they live Biblically and support Biblcal policies). Your conscience cannot grant you leeway in this matter. Many people will argue and say that “The Christian vote is a wasted vote” and, “We need to vote for the strongest opposition party in order to break the control of government” – but that is not what God would say. His Word clearly declares that we are to uphold Biblical values and elect Godly leaders. “But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God,trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials..." Exodus 18:21 No Christian can vote for a pro-abortion party/person. Full stop. If you do so, beware – “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” Matt 12:36,37. Likewise, no Christian can abstain from voting, for an uncast vote is actually a vote for the ruling party. A critical election This election is a watershed event in South African politics as, if Zuma is elected as the President (whilst still facing trial for corruption), he could have the power to change the constitution and possibly dismiss his trial. We know this could be the start of a downward spiral for our country and so we need to rise up as the Body of Christ and place our trust in God by voting in Godly representatives, so that the Lord’s will may be done in our land. With God all things are possible! (Matt 19:26). Jackie Georgiou This article is published in the April edition of JOY! magazine (on shelves now) along with the Christian Action Network's Biblical Issues Voters' Guide. SAVOTERSGUIDE.COM The updated 2009 Biblical Issues Voters’ Guide in English (including COPE's standpoints) – detailing the positions of 8 leading political parties on 8 key Biblical issues - is now available from www.SAvotersguide.com or you can click here to download. Distribute quantities to your congregation, community and colleagues. You can also download the Voters' Guide as a one page PowerPoint here (excellent for church announcements or sermons). Quantities can be ordered from Africa Christian Action, call 021 –6894481 or email: info@christianaction.org.za. The Afrikaans Voters' Guide is now available as well as the main page of the Xhosa Voters' Guide on the www.savotersguide.com website. The SAvotersguide.com website also features relevant articles, helpful links, a downloadable Voter Education tract and Powerpoint, plus view responses of political parties to the Christian Action Network’s Policy Survey. Christian Action magazine The latest Christian Action magazine includes a special election emphasis. Quantities are available for distribution. Contact Africa Christian Action: 021 -6894481 or info@christianaction.org.za. Africa Christian Action PO Box 23632 Claremont 7735 Cape Town South Africa Tel: 021-689 4481 E-mail: info@christianaction.org.za Web: www.christianaction.org.za