As we approach the 2024 presidential election, the noise of political ads, debates, and social media opinions grows louder. For many, politics can feel overwhelming or divisive, leading some Christians to believe that staying neutral or disengaged is the best approach. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world, actively engaging in society in ways that reflect God’s will and biblical truth. The Bible may not directly address modern-day elections, but it does give us clear principles about governance, justice, and righteousness. In the context of the 2024 election, it’s more important than ever for Christians to rise up, make their voices heard, and vote according to the values of the Kingdom of God.
Voting as a Christian Responsibility
We live in a society where we are privileged to have a voice in choosing our leaders. This is not something to take lightly. While the Bible does not mention democracy as we know it, Romans 13:1 tells us, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” As Christians, we should be involved in choosing those authorities by voting for leaders who align most closely with biblical principles.
The idea of disengaging from politics due to its corrupt nature or divisiveness is tempting. But let’s remember that being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean retreating from the world but rather being a transformative influence within it. When Jesus prayed for His disciples, He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). This means we are called to be in the world, but not of the world—engaged yet distinct.
How Christians Can Impact Society Through Voting
Elections are more than just selecting who occupies the Oval Office; they shape the moral and cultural landscape of our nation. Political leaders influence laws, policies, and values that will either uphold or undermine biblical truths. Through your vote, you have the power to promote justice, life, religious freedom, and godly principles in government.
We must realize that voting is a tool God has given us to act as stewards of this earthly kingdom, while ultimately representing the Kingdom of God. Each vote represents a choice for policies that either protect the vulnerable or contribute to moral decay. For instance, in Proverbs 31:8-9, we are called to, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” The ballot box is one of the most direct ways to fulfill this command in today’s society.
If we remain silent or disengaged, we allow those with opposing worldviews to dominate the cultural and moral direction of our nation. As Christians, we need to actively stand up for biblical values. If we don’t, we give way to ideologies that often seek to redefine family, morality, and even religious liberty itself.
Understanding Party Platforms Through a Biblical Lens
When deciding how to vote, many Christians struggle with aligning their faith with political parties. Neither party is perfect, and no candidate will ever fully embody the righteousness of Christ. However, when you compare the platforms of the major political parties, one question must be central in our decision-making: Which party promotes values that most align with biblical truth?
Let’s break this down:
The Sanctity of Life
The most fundamental of all biblical values is the protection of life. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” The Bible makes it clear that life is sacred, and this includes the lives of the unborn. In 2024, abortion continues to be a major issue dividing the parties.
The Republican Party has historically held a pro-life position, advocating for the protection of unborn children and restricting abortion access. Many in this party see the right to life as the cornerstone of their platform, seeking to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
On the other hand, the Democratic Party generally supports more expansive abortion rights, arguing for the protection of a woman’s choice above the life of the unborn. While they may argue that other policies help the marginalized, the Christian stance on life from conception must take precedence in this discussion.
Religious Liberty
Religious freedom is another cornerstone issue for Christians. We are commanded to preach the Gospel freely (Matthew 28:19-20) and live out our faith in public life without persecution. Over the past decade, we’ve seen increasing hostility towards Christian values in various public arenas, from schools to businesses. This trend is more prevalent in states and regions that align with liberal, progressive politics.
The Republican Party has traditionally been a stronger defender of religious liberties, opposing efforts to force religious organizations and individuals to violate their conscience in the name of “tolerance.” This includes supporting protections for Christian business owners, churches, and other faith-based organizations.
The Democratic Party, while advocating for equality and tolerance, has often promoted policies that challenge Christian institutions—requiring them to adhere to secular standards that conflict with their beliefs. For example, issues around gender identity, marriage, and religious-based hiring practices have become battlegrounds where religious liberty is often threatened.
Marriage and Family
God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). The family unit, as established by God, is the foundation of society. In 2024, the debate over marriage, gender, and family is more contentious than ever.
The Democratic Party has embraced a progressive view of marriage and gender, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, gender fluidity, and policies that oppose the biblical definition of family. They have consistently pushed legislation that forces public institutions and even some private organizations to conform to these new norms, often at the expense of religious beliefs.
The Republican Party, while not without its own internal divisions, has largely stood by traditional family values and defended the rights of Christians to maintain biblical views of marriage and gender in both public and private life.
The Christian’s Choice: Voting for Values, Not Perfection
No political party will ever fully encapsulate the Kingdom of God. However, our responsibility is to vote for the candidates and platforms that most align with God’s principles. This doesn’t mean we blindly support any one party. Instead, we must be discerning, prayerful, and intentional about promoting policies that reflect biblical truth.
In 2024, the Republican Party continues to hold a platform that best represents core Christian values—specifically the protection of life, religious freedom, and traditional family structures. While there are certainly shortcomings within the party, its policies offer more alignment with biblical principles than those of the Democratic Party, particularly when it comes to defending the sanctity of life and religious liberty.
Prayerful Consideration and Action
As we approach the 2024 election, we must commit to praying for wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Let us not be swayed by the noise of the world, but rather by the voice of the Holy Spirit, guiding us to make choices that honor God and reflect His will.
It’s not enough to simply vote for a candidate or a party. We must also continue to hold our leaders accountable and stand firm in our commitment to living out our faith in every aspect of life. Voting is just one way we can influence society, but it is an important and powerful one.
So, this election season, rise up and make your voice heard. The stakes are high, and the future of our nation depends on the values we uphold. As Christians, let’s vote boldly, informed by the truth of God’s Word, and committed to advancing His Kingdom here on earth.