Introduction
Beloved in Christ, today we face a question that sits right at the crossroads of faith and daily life: Should a Christian take money or gifts in exchange for their vote? In many places this practice is common, sometimes even normalized—but common does not always mean godly. As we open our hearts, let us remember that our faith speaks not only to how we pray, but also to how we choose, decide, and act in public life. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4). Let us ask together: What does God desire from us when our vote is at stake?
Main Feature
Scripture is strikingly clear about the danger of selling justice for gain. “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent” (Exodus 23:8), and again, “Do not pervert justice… do not accept a bribe” (Deuteronomy 16:19). A vote is not just a personal preference—it is an act of stewardship, a small but powerful participation in shaping society. When money determines our vote, we surrender moral freedom for temporary benefit. Ask yourself, church: Who then becomes our master—God or money? Jesus warns us plainly, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). The Bible even shows us how seriously God takes this issue when Peter rebukes Simon for trying to buy spiritual authority: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20). If God’s gifts cannot be bought, how then can righteousness be sold? Taking money to vote compromises our witness, weakens justice, and dims our light before the world. “A wicked person accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice” (Proverbs 17:23). So I ask you gently but firmly: What testimony do we give as Christians when our convictions have a price tag?
Closing Exhortation and Hymn
Brothers and sisters, God calls us to be people of integrity, truth, and courage—especially when it costs us something. Our vote should flow from prayer, conscience, and love for neighbor, not from envelopes or promises. Let us choose to stand firm, trusting that God is our provider and justice is His delight. As we close, let our hearts sing a hymn that reaffirms our loyalty to Christ alone:
Closing Hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” —because no turning back includes no turning toward money, fear, or compromise. Amen.