Should Christians Vote in the Election? – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Looking at the principle and application of 1 Timothy 2:1-2

This article is not intended to be an exhaustive investigation of the issue of Christians voting, but rather an observation and application from one particular text of Scripture, 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

1 Tim 2:1-2 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and instructed him to pray for kings and people in high positions.

For what specifically was Timothy supposed to be praying?

He was supposed to be praying that these rulers would allow Christians to live peaceful and godly lives. He was to pray for rulers that allowed Christians to live out their Christ-like calling without persecution from the government. He was to prayer for a government that defended their religious rights and didn’t allow people to harass them. In short, Timothy was to ask God for national rulers that were friendly towards Christians rather than hostile.

If Timothy prayed for this outcome, it seems only rational that Timothy would have also voted for this outcome (if such a system had existed during his time). Generally, when Christians pray for something to occur, they also apply themselves to the work necessary to achieve that outcome. We are the servants of God on the earth. It’s our responsibility to play our small part in seeing that God’s will is done in the areas we can have an impact. One such area is in voting for our elected officials.

While there will never be a perfect candidate (only Jesus is the perfect King), it is rarely the case that one candidate does not stand out above another in terms of honoring God’s principles and promoting biblical morality. While that candidate may not be an especially godly person, their platform generally retains some respect for the Creator and His virtues. They usually belong to a party that will, at the very least, give lip service to God rather than shaking their fist at Him and mocking Him in pride.  

We should pray for leaders who will allow us to live peaceful and godly lives, but we should also work to bring about that outcome. If we pray for the hungry to be fed but never serve at the food bank, what kind of prayer is that? If we pray for people to be saved but never make an effort to talk to people about Jesus, what kind of prayer is that? If we pray for our leaders to let us live peaceful and godly lives but don’t vote for those most likely to do it, what kind of prayer is that?