Should Christians vote for Trump?

As a Christian, I will cast my vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election, even if I do not particularly like him. I am fully aware of his unrepentant sin, his stance on abortion, his haughty attitude, and many other traits that may make one cringe. If you, as a Christian (or someone who is curious), disagree with my decision but are still reading, I appreciate your time. In the following paragraphs, I aim to express why Christians can vote for Trump, not as a means to pick the 'lesser of two evils' or bind your conscience in any way, but as a fulfillment of solemn duty and responsibility without compromising our position as Christians.

Obedience to God's Ordained Authority

Christians recognize that God is sovereign over all creation, including human governments. Scripture tells us that civil authority is not an accident of history or the product of mere human ambition but is, in fact, part of God's design for order and justice in the world. Romans 13:1-2 instructs us: "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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

This passage speaks directly to our responsibility as citizens. Whether we like the particular candidates running for office or not, the reality is that God has ordained civil authority for a purpose. Governments are meant to be instruments of justice, protecting the good and punishing the wrongdoer (Romans 13:3-4). To participate in the democratic process, including voting, is to affirm God's providential hand over human affairs, acknowledging that He works through imperfect rulers and systems to accomplish His purposes.

We are not called to support a leader because they are morally flawless; no such candidate exists. Rather, we vote with the understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and we act within our civic duties in a way that reflects His Lordship. By voting, we help civil authorities fulfill their God-given role to maintain order, execute justice, and preserve peace. Even in situations where we find the character or conduct of a candidate lacking, we can still act to support policies and platforms that align more closely with the principles of justice and righteousness revealed in God's Word (1 Peter 2:13-14).

Our obedience to God's ordained authority is not conditioned on the perfection of earthly rulers. It is a recognition that God, in His wisdom, uses human authorities to restrain evil, promote good, and bring about His purposes in the world. By voting, we fulfill a biblical responsibility to engage in the systems of authority He has established, trusting that He remains sovereign over all.

The Christian Duty to Promote Justice

As Christians, we are called to seek justice in the world around us, even when it means engaging with a flawed political system or supporting imperfect leaders. The Bible consistently emphasizes that God's people are to act as agents of righteousness and justice, reflecting His character in all areas of life. One fundamental way we do this in a democratic society is through voting, a powerful tool that allows us to influence the direction of justice and righteousness in our nation.

Proverbs 29:2 reminds us, "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." This proverb highlights the critical role that leadership plays in shaping a nation's well-being. When leaders pursue justice and righteousness, it leads to flourishing. However, when injustice and wickedness reign, the people suffer. By casting a vote, we can influence who and how they govern, holding them accountable to principles of justice and the common good.

Micah 6:8 calls us to "... to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This is a personal command and one we apply in our collective responsibilities, including political engagement. Even when faced with candidates who may not personally live up to these values, we are still responsible for promoting justice through our vote. The candidates' policies and platforms impact our neighbors' lives, and it is our duty to support those policies that align most closely with God's vision of justice—protecting the vulnerable, promoting peace, and ensuring fairness in society.

When we choose not to vote or vote for a third party that will not win, we risk allowing unjust or immoral leadership to take power unchecked. As Christians, we cannot afford to retreat from our responsibility to seek justice just because the political process is messy or the candidates are imperfect. In a fallen world, God still uses flawed people to accomplish His purposes, and we have a role in ensuring that those who lead our communities and nation do so with a commitment to justice, however imperfectly.

In voting, we are not endorsing a candidate's character or personal morality but rather engaging in promoting justice and peace for the common good. Our vote is a tool to encourage leaders to pursue policies that reflect God's heart for righteousness, and in doing so, we fulfill our Christian duty to love our neighbor by working for the good of society.

Praying for and Supporting Civil Leaders

As Christians, we are called to pray for and support those in authority over us, even when we may find them personally flawed or disgraceful. This is not a passive act but an active engagement with the civil authorities God has established. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges believers, "...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."

Our prayers for those in authority are a means of seeking God's wisdom and justice to guide the hearts of leaders, regardless of their personal character, and this act of support is crucial in the political process.

This biblical command does not depend on the moral quality of the leader but on God's providence over human government. Even when we struggle with a candidate's character, we are still responsible for engaging with and supporting the governing system God has ordained. Romans 13:1-2 reminds us that all authority comes from God, so our participation in the political process is a means of acknowledging God's sovereignty in appointing rulers.

Voting, then, becomes an extension of our prayers. When we vote, we contribute to the governance structure that will lead our society. We are praying with our ballots, seeking to place leaders in office who will best promote justice, peace, and the common good—even if those leaders themselves are imperfect. Voting is not an endorsement of every personal quality a candidate possesses. Still, it contributes to the environment in which God's justice and mercy can be expressed through law and governance (Romans 13:5-7).

In a democracy, voting is one way we hold leaders accountable for governing well. While the leaders themselves may be flawed, we promote policies and systems that can bring about greater good by participating in the process. Refusing to vote, on the other hand, can mean neglecting the opportunity to influence these leaders in a way that better aligns with God's justice.

Ultimately, our participation in voting reflects our trust in God's sovereign rule over all things. As we cast our votes, we do so with the understanding that God remains in control, and we are faithful stewards of the opportunities we have to support and pray for those He has placed in positions of authority.

Concluding Thoughts

Voting as a Christian is not simply about endorsing a candidate's character but recognizing the opportunity to influence policies and systems that align more closely with God's justice, mercy, and order. While we may struggle with the imperfections of any candidate, our trust remains in God's sovereign rule, knowing that He can work through flawed leaders to accomplish His purposes. As we cast our votes, let us do so prayerfully, seeking His guidance and faithfully fulfilling our role as citizens who engage with the political process in a way that honors God and promotes the well-being of our neighbors.

Ultimately, voting is one practical way we contribute to the pursuit of justice and peace in our society. It is an act of stewardship, entrusting our voice and influence to the process that God has ordained in His wisdom for governing nations. In all this, we place our hope in Christ, the true King, knowing that while human leaders fail, His justice and mercy will never falter.