COGUK Urges Christians to Vote

In its latest OUTREACH Newsletter, COGUK urges Christians to vote:

The Anglo-Saxon model of ‘representative democracy’ allows—at least for now!—Christians locally and nationally to potentially influence (or express an opinion on) key issues. Our ‘world view’ based as it must be on the Christian Scriptures, however, is too often contrary to that of ‘the world’. But that should not hinder our taking a stand by peaceful and legal means and ‘…with a conscience void of offence towards God’—for example through a vote.

J. Tkach of GCI (formerly WCG) also makes a similar recommendation (see GCI/WCG’s J. Tkach’s Latest On Voting).

But would Jesus vote?

No, I do not believe that He would.

If Christians are not supposed to vote, what should we do about leaders?

Pray for them.

Notice what Paul wrote:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.

We are also to pray for our spiritual leaders. Notice what Jesus taught:

The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).

Notice what Paul taught:

Brethren, pray for us (1 Thess 5:25).

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith (2 Thess 3:1-2).

We also are to pray:

The will of the Lord be done (Acts 21:14).

Similarly, Jesus taught:

7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:7-10).

And that, I believe, should be the type of prayer that Christians have about elections.

Three articles of possible interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Church of God Outreach Ministries This was a CGI spin-off who says it is not a church.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.