Photo by Francis Faurot
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;” Luke 12:48b
The liberty to worship, pray, and proclaim the gospel is a privilege Americans have been entrusted to steward. Despite these freedoms, Christian voter participation is actively declining. Although involvement varies between presidential and midterm elections, research suggests that in recent years approximately 4 in 10 Christians did not turn out to vote. In a nation where religious freedom is protected, civic stewardship remains an important responsibility. This includes exercising our faith, praying for our nation, and voting according to Christian values.
Religious Freedom and Civic Responsibility
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects our religious freedom, declaring that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” These protections allow citizens to worship publicly, gather for fellowship, and share their faith without government intervention.
Throughout history, many Christians have faced persecution for their faith, including mockery, imprisonment, and even death. One example in Daniel 6, describes when Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because he chose to serve God and continued to pray to Him despite a royal decree forbidding it. Today, people in parts of the world continue to experience violence, rejection, and restrictions because of their convictions. Jesus warned His followers of this in John 15:18, saying, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”
Another example of this persecution takes place in Nigeria. According to a September 2026 report by The Guardian Nigeria, more than 3,000 Christians have been killed in the country for their faith in Jesus Christ from January to August of 2026.
It is a gift and a privilege that Americans can freely exercise their religion without facing the same degree of persecution that many believers in other countries endure daily.
Allowing Scripture to Guide Our Decisions
The psalmist declares, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:105. God’s Word guides our actions, including how we understand and exercise our responsibilities as biblical citizens.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul instructs believers to pray for all people, including those in positions of authority:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
As we seek the Lord, He leads us in how we live out our citizenship on earth. Our faith in Jesus and obedience to Scripture should shape every aspect of our lives.
Micah 6:8b summarizes what the Lord requires of His people: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Speaking for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves
The laws being passed, the policies of the candidates being elected, and the questions appearing on our ballots this November are not merely political matters, but biblical principles. They raise up questions regarding the protection of the unborn, parental rights, religious freedom, and what our children are being taught. As followers of Christ, we have an obligation to engage in this process and allow Scripture to guide our decisions.
Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
One charge believers have is to speak up for the vulnerable and those who cannot speak for themselves. Protecting unborn life is a central application of this responsibility. We can exercise our voices through prayer and voting on the laws and policies enacted by our government.
Public policy concerning abortion remains a significant issue in elections. Earlier this year, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed House Bill 5595 into law on August 10. The law removes previous restrictions and permits abortion up to the point of birth. The signing of this legislation gathered many local women in support of abortion to celebrate this new law enacted. This election, voters from Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia will decide abortion-related ballot measures. There are several additional states with public policy severely impacting pivotal biblical issues, including New York and California.
In June 2026, New York lawmakers passed the Freedom to Read Act through both legislative chambers. If signed into law, the bill would require public schools to keep challenged library books available to students including books that parents may consider sexually explicit.
In 2023, AB 1078 became law in California. This reinforced the state’s requirements that LGBTQ+ history and contributions be included in public school instruction, beginning as early as elementary school. In November, voters in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington will consider eight ballot measures related to LGBTQ+ issues.
Another exhortation for Christian parents is to raise up children in the ways of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs God’s people, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
A Call to Faithful Citizenship
America needs to heed the warning in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This November, pray for our governing officials. Vote for Christian values. Allow the full counsel of God’s Word to guide your decisions.
Thank you for reading! If this story inspired you, we invite you to partner with us in continuing the ministry God started over 27 years ago. We appreciate your prayerful consideration in joining us to reach more souls for Jesus.
SPONSOR MESSAGE: The Enduring Word Study Bible invites you to experience the transforming power of Scripture with pastoral and practical commentary for every chapter of the Bible from pastor and Bible teacher David Guzik. His insights equip you to apply biblical teaching to your life, guide you through challenging topics, and strengthen you to navigate the storms of life with confidence and joy.
© 2026 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.