Title: Faithful Citizenship: Voting with Kingdom Values

Verse of the Day

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Songs

Devotional

As the presidential election approaches, we find ourselves at a crossroads where our faith intersects with our civic duty. It’s a time that can bring excitement, anxiety, and even division among believers. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to approach this season with a perspective that’s rooted in God’s Word and guided by His wisdom.

Our verse of the day, Romans 13:1, reminds us that all authority ultimately comes from God. This doesn’t mean that every leader perfectly represents God’s will, but rather that God is sovereign over all human affairs, including politics. This truth should bring us peace and perspective as we engage in the electoral process.

As Christians, we’re called to be “salt and light” in our society (Matthew 5:13-16). This includes participating in the democratic process and using our voice and vote to influence our nation’s direction. However, we must remember that our primary citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom, not to any political party or candidate.

When considering how to vote, we should prayerfully seek God’s wisdom and align our choices with biblical values. This doesn’t mean there will always be clear-cut answers, as many issues are complex. But we can look to principles such as justice, compassion for the poor, protection of life, stewardship of creation, and religious freedom to guide our decisions.

It’s also crucial to remember that our hope is not in any human leader or government, but in God alone. Psalm 146:3-5 warns us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save… Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” While we should take our civic responsibilities seriously, we must not place undue hope in political solutions to spiritual problems.

Lastly, let’s approach this election season with love, humility, and respect for others, even those with whom we disagree. We are called to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31) and to “live at peace with everyone” as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Our witness for Christ should shine brighter than our political affiliations.

Application

Organize a non-partisan prayer gathering in your community or church. Invite believers from various political backgrounds to come together and pray for our nation, its leaders (current and future), and for God’s will to be done. Use this as an opportunity to model unity in Christ that transcends political divisions. Include prayers for wisdom in voting, for peace during the election process, and for hearts to be open to God’s leading. Encourage attendees to commit to responding to the election results with grace and continued prayer, regardless of the outcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we approach this presidential election, we come before You with humble hearts. We acknowledge that You are the sovereign ruler over all nations and that all authority comes from You (Romans 13:1). Give us wisdom as we consider our choices, that we might vote in a way that honors You and seeks the welfare of our nation (Jeremiah 29:7).

Lord, guard our hearts against placing undue hope in human leaders. Remind us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven and that our primary allegiance is to Your Kingdom (Philippians 3:20). Help us to be salt and light in our society, influencing it for good while maintaining our distinct identity as Your followers (Matthew 5:13-16).

We pray for our current leaders and for those who will be elected. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a heart for justice (Proverbs 21:1). May they govern with righteousness and seek the good of all people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized (Psalm 72:1-4).

Father, in this potentially divisive time, help us to love our neighbors, even those with whom we disagree politically (Mark 12:31). May our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit and striving together for the faith (Philippians 1:27).

Finally, Lord, we pray that Your will be done in our nation as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). May this election process and its outcome ultimately serve Your purposes and draw people closer to You. We trust in Your sovereignty and goodness, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures used in Prayer

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. – Romans 13:1

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. – Jeremiah 29:7

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:13-14

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel – Philippians 1:27

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ – Matthew 6:9-10

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Additional Scriptures for Contemplation and Study

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. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14