To vote or not to vote, that is the question

Some Christians are thinking of staying home and not voting in the upcoming election. What are the reasons they give, and what would be the reasons I might want to vote?
Q&A

What percentage of U.S. citizens vote? About 66%
International comparison? Out of 50 nations, U.S. ranked 31st.
What percentage of Christians vote in US elections? 51% of faith voters are likely to vote in 2024.

Reasons people give for not voting

Neither candidate is perfect - Yup, that’s because there are no perfect human beings outside of Jesus Christ.
Neither party is perfect - Yup, that is because they are created by imperfect human beings.
My vote doesn’t count - Every vote counts. If a moral and righteous person stays home, they are in effect saying to the immoral and wicked, "You vote, I won’t," and the nation will become more evil.
They will do everything in their power to corrupt and steal the election - That’s the reason we must pray for evil to be exposed, undermined and removed and for revival and righteousness to be lifted up. Are you praying that way every day? I am.
I am to be in the world but not of it (2 Cor. 6:17) - The Lord through Jeremiah tells the captives to pray for the peace and prosperity of the city and also to “seek” it (Jer. 29:7). According to Brown-Driver Briggs, this word means “seek with application, study, follow, ask for, require, demand.” It is more than just hoping and praying for your nation to prosper and be at peace. It is finding out how that can happen, applying what you learn, and demanding it. It is not a passive word but an active one.

Reasons to vote

It is my responsibility to hold up a standard of righteousness in the land.
I am to influence nations.
I am to disciple my nation so I will vote for the person/party that is most closely honoring Biblical principles.
I will not put my lamp stand under a bushel basket but on a hilltop.

Dig deeper

Be an informed voter - Click on this blog for a description on how Patti and I become informed voters.
A Clear Biblical Sermon on Church and Government
Overview of the Republican and Democratic Platforms
Americans warming up to pastors endorsing political candidates: poll (So if you want to know who I am going to vote for and why, read tomorrow/ Saturday’s blog)

Journaling

Lord, what would You speak to me?
How would you have me lift up a standard today?

Proclaim this Scripture: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this." (Isa. 9:6-7)