In Australia, we are ready for federal election 2025. In my state, it’s only been a few months since the last election. Because I thought it would be useful to repeat what I wrote last year for the state election, jesusontheroad/election-2024, I’ve updated last year’s post to this new one.
On Saturday, 3 May 2025, (if they haven’t already voted early) voters in Australia will choose their members of parliament for the next three years. I’m not here to push any political agenda, but as a Christian, I ask myself what are my rights and responsibilities in election 2025?
Our rights and responsibilities
Interestingly, God has a lot to say about this:
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.
1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV)
Here we are reminded of our responsibility to be good citizens, respecting and submitting to the governing authorities. “While our ultimate allegiance is to God, voting allows us to exercise our freedom to influence and contribute to the well-being of society. When we vote, we should consider the principles and values of our faith, seeking to support candidates and policies that align with biblical teachings. Our votes have the potential to make a difference and create a positive impact on our communities, promoting justice, compassion, and righteousness,” scripturesavvy.com/voting
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)
Exercising our democratic right to vote is a serious matter. Wicked rulers make “the people groan.”
“As Christians, we have a responsibility to vote and support candidates who will govern with righteousness and wisdom, promoting justice and well-being for all. By exercising our right to vote, we have the opportunity to contribute to the selection of leaders who will pursue policies that align with biblical principles. Our votes can help bring about positive change and create a society where righteousness prevails and all people can rejoice,” scripturesavvy.com/voting
Praying for our leaders
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2: 1-2 (NIV)
This is interesting. Many times, the things I hear (and say) about the government are NOT prayers, intercession and thanksgiving. Rather, they are complaints about what is not being done right (according to my desires) or demands to have my ‘rights’ met. We want to have the government fix everything, but we don’t want to pay more taxes so they can do it.
So, as you prepare for election 2025, take your time to research your candidates and their parties. Think about what is important to you, and to God. God tells us to live as free people, while submitting to human authorities. Being able to freely practice our faith is very important. Look for candidates who promote values of freedom, peace, godliness and holiness.
Pray for your candidates, and those who are elected. Pray that they will seek to do God’s will in serving their electorates. Pray for all voters to seek godly wisdom.
And most of all, pray:
Your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
What about you?
What are your thoughts about politics and politicians?
What do you think about the advice given in the Bible?
Please leave a comment below.