Why Anabaptists Should Vote in Australia
Background
In many democratic nations, voting is optional, with only about 5% of democracies in the world enforcing compulsory voting, often with fines or other penalties. In Australia, voting is mandatory, requiring every eligible citizen to participate in elections. For many Christians, particularly Anabaptists, this presents a unique challenge. How can we vote without aligning ourselves with political agendas or losing sight of our primary allegiance to the Kingdom of God? The answer lies in approaching voting in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ and His teachings.
Voting Without Being Political
Anabaptists historically emphasized the separation of church and state, which often led them to be hesitant about political involvement. However, the Bible encourages believers to engage with the world around them while maintaining a distinct commitment to the values of God’s Kingdom. Voting, then, can be seen not as an endorsement of political systems but as a practical way to influence society for the better, grounded in the principles of justice, mercy, and humility.
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?“
Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.“
Voting is one way we can promote these principles in our government and its policies to align with biblical values like justice and compassion.
While voting, we must be cautious not to become entrenched in political ideologies. As Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our ultimate loyalty is not to any political party but to Christ. Therefore, our vote should reflect a desire to honour God, not to advance partisan agendas.
Respecting Leaders Regardless of Political Side
A fundamental principle for Christians is respect for authority. The Bible teaches that leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, are established by God. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Whether we agree with their policies or not, we are called to show respect and pray for those in leadership positions.
First Timothy 2:1-2 reinforces this idea:
“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.”
Timothy 2:1-2
Praying for our leaders fosters an attitude of humility and recognizes that God is sovereign over all human institutions.
Voting as an Act of Worship
When we cast our votes, we are not merely engaging in a political process; we are offering our decisions to the will of God. As followers of Jesus, our priority is not to promote personal preferences but to further Christ’s Kingdom on earth. This means aligning our choices with God’s desires and seeking His guidance in how we vote. By surrendering our preferences and asking, “What does God desire?” rather than “What benefits me?”, we can turn voting into an act of worship, honouring Him through our submission to His will.
In Matthew 6:10, Jesus instructs us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is a powerful reminder that, as Christians, we must submit our desires to God’s will, even in matters like voting. We should ask ourselves, “How can my vote reflect the values of God’s Kingdom?”
Conclusion
As Anabaptists in Australia, we are called to participate in voting not out of obligation but as an opportunity to reflect the light of Christ in our society. We must approach voting with humility, avoiding the traps of political allegiance and personal preference. Instead, let our votes be an act of servanthood, submitting to God’s will and trusting in His sovereign plan. By doing so, we demonstrate respect for our leaders and contribute to the common good, all while keeping our ultimate focus on the Kingdom of God.
James 1:5 assures us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
As we approach the voting booth, let us seek God’s wisdom, trusting that He will guide us to make decisions that honour Him.
