Op-ed: Faith in action means this election demands our vote

As Christians, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. Recent studies show a startling revelation—only 51% of Christians in America are planning to vote in the upcoming election. This is startling to me considering the importance of this election and the responsibility of believers to engage in participate in civic engagement. The implications of this are profound, not just for the political landscape but for the moral and spiritual direction of our nation.

This moment calls for all believers to engage with urgency and purpose. Our failure to act could result in consequences extending beyond politics and into the fabric of our faith and freedoms.

Romans 13 provides a foundational biblical perspective on our role as citizens under governing authorities. In this passage, Paul states that all authority is established by God, and we are called to submit to it. But submission doesn’t mean passive obedience; it means active engagement in shaping that authority.

Christians are to respect governing authorities because they are ordained by God to execute justice and promote good. This principle emphasizes our responsibility to influence those authorities through our vote.

We often overlook the powerful role we play as citizens of a republic. In our system of government, power is ultimately derived from the people. This means that as Christian voters, we have been entrusted with the stewardship of our nation. God has given us the opportunity to choose leaders who will uphold biblical values, protect religious freedom, and promote justice.

If we neglect this responsibility, we are relinquishing our God-given role in society.

Voting as an Act of Faith

For the Christian, voting is not just a civic duty—it is an act of faith. Every decision we make at the ballot box reflects our values, our priorities, and our belief in the sovereignty of God. When we choose not to vote, we are abdicating our influence, and allowing others—often those with agendas counter to biblical truth—to shape the laws and policies that govern our lives.

Inaction is not neutrality; it is surrender.

In this upcoming election, the stakes could not be higher. As believers, we must recognize that our vote has the power to shape the future of this country. We are at a crossroads where issues like the sanctity of life, religious freedom, and the protection of the family are hanging in the balance. These are not just political issues; they are moral ones. They strike at the heart of who we are as Christians and what we believe about God’s design for humanity.

A Call to Action: Trump and the Future of America

For many believers, the decision to support President Trump in the upcoming election is not simply about politics; it is about aligning our votes with biblical principles. President Trump has been a staunch defender of religious freedom, a champion for the unborn, and an advocate for restoring law and order. His administration has worked to protect the rights of churches, religious organizations, and Christian business owners from being forced to compromise their faith. This is no small feat in a culture that increasingly marginalizes and ridicules biblical values.

Yet, despite these clear victories, hesitation remains among some Christians to engage in the political process. Perhaps it is the divisive nature of our political discourse, or maybe it is disillusionment with the imperfect nature of human leadership. But we cannot afford to be complacent.

This election is too important to sit on the sidelines. As believers, we need to remember that while no candidate is perfect, our vote is about supporting the policies and values that align more closely with Scripture.

To the 49% of Christians who are considering staying home on Election Day, I urge you to reconsider. This election is about whether or not we will have leaders who defend life, protect religious freedom, and uphold the Constitution. It is about whether we will continue to have the ability to worship freely and raise our children according to our faith. These are foundational issues to the future of America and the preservation of our Christian heritage.

If we choose not to vote, we are effectively allowing those who oppose biblical values to gain more influence. We are handing over the reins of power to those who will push for policies that undermine the sanctity of life, weaken the family unit, and restrict religious freedom. In doing so, we are not only failing in our civic duty but also in our biblical mandate to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

With less than a month until Election Day, time is of the essence. Every Christian must take stock of the weight of this moment and the responsibility we bear. The study showing that millions of Christians may choose not to vote is alarming. But it is not too late to change course. We can make our voices heard, to stand up for what is right, and to be counted among those who fought for the soul of this nation.

The path forward is clear: We must vote, and we must encourage others to do the same. As Christians, we must approach this election prayerfully, seeking God’s wisdom and discernment as we cast our ballots. In the words of Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Let us not be the generation of Christians who did nothing when our country needed us most. Let us be the generation that stood boldly for truth, voted with conviction, and trusted God to guide the future of our nation.

This election is a battle for the heart of America, and every Christian has a role to play. Do not sit this one out. Vote.

Gerrick Wilkins is an automotive consultant, former congressional candidate, and author of Unshackling Democracy: Embracing Term Limits, Empowering Citizens. Gerrick can be reached with comments at [email protected] or learn more about his book at www.unshacklingdemocracy.com.