Right now, many Americans are deciding which candidate to vote for in this week’s election. But, shouldn’t parents be intentional in using the election to teach their kids why and how to vote as well? I think so.
Many are sitting on the edge of their seat, believing that we are facing the most important election in our nation’s history. I wouldn’t disagree.
However, when you stop and think about it, that’s most likely been the case with every previous election ever held, as well as for every future election that will ever be held.
Why? Because the most important election ever is always the one we’re currently facing. So much is on the line for a nation’s future as well as for future generations every time we go to the voting box.
Over the next century, a lot of world change is sure to happen. But guess what?… It’s not going to be us who votes in the future leaders of the next century, but our children.
With that in mind, we need to be instilling within our kids an understanding of the importance of the political process, and how and why to vote as a Christian.
As Christian parents, we should continually use life events (funerals, weddings, tragedies, etc.) to teach our children life lessons and a biblical worldview.
That’s why there is no more perfect time than in an election cycle to talk about these issues together.
Here are a couple of thoughts from a Biblical perspective to teach your kids about the value of voting:
1) It’s a unique privilege…. That not everyone has
We live in a country with the freedom to vote, which should not be taken for granted. Thankfully we live in a democracy and not a dictatorship. We the people have the privilege to play a part in our nation’s direction and future. Our vote allows us to maintain that right.
2) It’s a weighty responsibility… Not to be taken lightly
For a Christian to simply choose not to vote is to fail to be a good citizen and a disgrace to every soldier who has given their life so we could have the freedom to do so.
I heard someone say recently, “A vote is not a valentine.” I also heard someone say, “We’re not voting on a pastor. We’re voting on a CEO for the business known as America.” Those both made sense to me.
There will never be perfect candidates, and there will never be a perfect government, but there will always be a responsibility for Christians to help shape our country one vote at a time.
3) It’s a moral obligation… To future generations
When a Christian casts a vote, they are not first and foremost casting a vote for any person, but for a set of principles that will inevitably lead our nation in a future direction.
Our children need to see us voting. Because we are voting for our children’s future.
Someone wisely said it this way, “Make no mistake… An election is not about two different men. It is about two different America’s. Choose wisely.”
By casting a vote, Christians are making a contribution to society and its future. They are paying it forward to their children and grandchildren, by setting an example of responsible citizenship, as well as doing their part to prepare for them a better tomorrow.
In teaching my children of their moral obligation to vote when they become of age, I have taught them why I personally strive to vote with these three things in mind that I believe are most consistent with Biblical values and close to the heart of God:
- I vote for LIFE… Vote as though a newborn baby’s life depends on it!
- I vote for THE FAMILY… Vote for Biblical family values, because as goes the family, so goes the nation.
- I vote for ISRAEL… God has promised to bless those who stand with Israel.
What things do you believe are closest to your heart and to God’s when you step into the voting booth? Talk to your children about those things.
Here are some great questions to ask and discuss with your children:
- What is the purpose behind voting and elections as the process we use to choose our leaders?
- What is a Christian’s attitude towards voting supposed to be? Obligatory or Indifferent?
- Can one person’s vote really make a difference?
- What could happen if every Christian in America really voted Biblical values over all else?
- What if your family’s preferred candidate doesn’t win? Did it catch God by surprise?
While much more could be expounded upon this topic, hopefully, these thoughts will help you springboard into an important conversation with your kids during this week of our nation’s (if you live in the US) presidential election.
