An act of stewardship that helps guide the future of our communities
Next Tuesday, thousands of Missourians will head to the ballot box to cast their votes. This year’s ballot includes several important amendments that will shape the future of our state.
What always surprises me is not how many people vote, but how many don’t.
Even in high-interest elections, roughly two-thirds of eligible Americans vote. In local elections and primary elections, turnout is often far lower, sometimes less than one-third of registered voters. Over the last few years, in my area, there have been elections where only 10–12% of eligible voters actually showed up to cast a ballot. Let that sink in.
As I was reading Proverbs recently, one verse caught my attention.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (Proverbs 11:14, NIV)
That verse made me think differently about voting.
Every time we cast a ballot, we’re giving counsel. We’re offering our advice about the direction we believe our state and our nation should go. In a representative democracy, our vote is one of the primary ways we provide that guidance.
Notice what Solomon says. A nation falls for lack of guidance, but victory comes through many advisers.
Many advisers.
Not just a few.
Can you imagine what would happen if every Christian who was eligible to vote actually showed up? What if every believer prayerfully studied the issues, sought God’s wisdom, and then faithfully participated in the process?
Whether your preferred candidates win or lose, voting is an opportunity to steward the influence God has given you.
Too many people spend hours complaining about the direction of our country but won’t spend a few minutes casting a ballot. We criticize decisions made by elected leaders while refusing to participate in choosing them.
Voting isn’t just a political act.
It’s an act of stewardship.
God has entrusted us with both freedoms and responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to be engaged citizens who seek the welfare of the communities where He has placed us.
So before you head to the polls, pray.
Ask God for wisdom.
Study the issues.
Then vote according to your biblical convictions and your informed conscience.
Our nation needs wise voices.
Make sure yours is one of them.
Alex Bryant is a pastor, author, and speaker who writes about race, faith, and culture in America.
