In this election year, it seems like all the talk around the country is centered on political issues or candidates.  Personally, I have a pretty good history when it comes to voting.  I have always been steady with my commitment to the American political process at election time and making my opinion count at the ballot box.   However, this year is somehow different.  One year ago, I did not know the impact that The Purpose Driven Life would have on my life.   Could it be that this year I’m realizing even voting might be considered an act of worship?  How then do I prepare myself before God when election day is here?

In Pastor Rick’s book, Principle #1 examines the concept “Worship That Pleases God.”  If this includes voting, it’s the very first election where I will purposefully prepare myself to honor God with my vote.  If God wants to be an important part of everything I do, He will equip me when I make these important choices as I yield to His direction.  

Christians throughout the country are wondering how they can be good stewards of their God-given right to cast votes which correspond with God’s teaching about civic responsibility and decision-making.  How can we determine our vote in light of a Christian perspective before we enter the voting booth? In order to prepare myself to be a purpose-driven citizen, a useful acronym came to mind: V-O-T-E. 

V- The “V” of this acronym stands for verify.  We are to verify the issues as they line up with scriptures.  Pastor Rick recently reminded of the five key issues important to Christian voters this year:  (1)Abortion, (2) Stem cell research from embryos, (3) Homosexual marriage, (4) Human cloning, and (5) Euthanasia.  A good place to start our preparation is in prayer. Further, Saddleback’s Salt and Light Ministry can help us gain understanding of these issues. They have voter registration cards, petitions, and information that can help.   They can direct you to organizations that gather and publish candidate voting records regarding these important five topics.  Arming yourself with this information can play a critical role in the decision-making.

O-  The “O” stands for operating on biblical values.  According to Pastor Tom Holladay, Biblical understanding offers a good foundation for selecting our leaders and making political choices.  Pointing to the Old Testament kings, Pastor Tom says, “The kings had varying degrees of political and management and leadership skills – NONE of which were the deciding factor in the way that the country was blessed under their leadership.  The single determining factor was always their personal character.  Their character guided their decisions, and those decisions charted the course for the country.”  Additionally, he points to Proverbs 20:28 which clearly reveals “Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.”  Christians can, indeed, rely on the Bible’s guidance for their political decision-making.

T- “T” represents our time management.  Take time to vote.  Find out in advance the location of your polling place.  Schedule a time that is convenient for you.  Some people, myself included, like to vote in the morning.  There are fewer people at that time. With less likelihood of waiting in line, the voting experience takes only a few minutes. Life’s frequently hectic pace can keep us from remembering to take time to vote. Why not schedule it, like an appointment?  Carve out a time on that day to check in and bring your voting information with you, including proof of registration and your pre-election guide.  You can mark your choices on your  guide in advance and use it as a reference when you make your final selections.  Remember to let your employer know if you might be late because you stopped to vote on your way to work. 

E- Encourage others to vote.  We are told in scripture to encourage one another.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”  This also applies to voting in elections.  When you vote, you’re often given a sticker to wear as you leave the polling place. “I Voted!” it boasts, and can serve as a reminder to others to take advantage of this important American privilege. People can become passive through discouragement regarding world affairs. By encouraging them to worship God through voting, we can give them hope – whether those people are your family, friends are your small group..   I know a person who has a party on election night.  Why not make it a night for your small group to watch and pray for the outcome of our country and its leaders.

Being prepared to V-O-T-E is an important responsibility of every Christian.  Until I examined my copy of The Purpose Driven Life to refresh my thinking about it,  I never thought of my voting as an act of worship before. Rick Warren pointedly states, “God is pleased when our worship is practical…Real worship costs.  Israel’s King David knew this and said: ‘I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.’”  This voting year is an opportunity to vote as God leads you, based on His word.  As I enter the voting booth, I will take my Friend and Savior with me.  I picture Jesus looking over my shoulder and guiding me in my choices.  Now I know that what was once only a civic exercise is now an act of worship and thanksgiving for the blessing of a free, democratic country. 

Susan Ryan is a native of California and has lived the majority of her life in the Orange County area.  She has attended Saddleback Community Church for two years and is always blessed by the sermons and singing.  A sixth grade teacher at a local Christian school, Susan loves to write and pursues it while raising her family of three children, one husband and a dog.  "I like Saddleback Church because it allows you to take your God-given talents and give them back to God.  Purpose-driven living is all about writing for me.  I never thought that what I like so much could be my ministry to the body of Christ."