How Should I Vote?

Overview

"How should I vote, Democrat or Republican?" Andre Samson puts one of the most divisive questions of our day straight to Lead Pastor Brad Kirby. After 30 years as a pastor, Brad sees a growing problem: Christians who can't tell their faith apart from their political party. He starts with what the Bible doesn't say. No verse tells you which party to join. Then he points to a higher question and a higher allegiance. Andre presses on the hard part, whether one issue should decide your vote, and Brad closes with four practical steps for the voting booth. Where does your political identity sit next to your identity in Jesus?

Three Takeaways

The Bible won't pick your party.

No page of Scripture tells you to vote Republican or join the Democratic Party. But if the Bible is the lens for all of life, it shapes how we live as citizens too. So the better question isn't "God, how do you want me to vote?" It's "How can I faithfully follow Jesus as a citizen?"

Your highest allegiance is to Jesus.

Paul reminded the church that our citizenship is in heaven. Earthly citizenship still matters, but it isn't ultimate: before you're a Republican, a Democrat, or an American, you belong to Jesus. That frees you to vote with conviction, wisdom, and humility, not out of blind loyalty, family habit, or the right slogans.

The issues matter, but not all in the same way.

Some are foundational and clear, like the value of every human life, made in God's image. Others, like caring for the poor and the immigrant, are clear on the what but leave room for wisdom on the how. The answer isn't that only one issue matters, or that every issue matters exactly the same.

Scripture in This Episode

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Talk About It

Brad names a few reasons we vote the way we do: loyalty to a name, how our parents voted, disliking the other side, or the right lingo. Which one pulls on you most?
What would change in how you talk about politics if you saw yourself as a follower of Jesus first, before any party or even your country?
Who are the mature believers you could talk the issues through with, especially someone who doesn't see everything the way you do?

Your Next Step

Before you head to the polls next time, pick the one step from Brad's list you usually skip: opening Scripture, praying for wisdom, studying the candidates past the slogans, or talking it over with mature believers. Then give it a try.