Voting can be complex, especially for first-time voters.
Political involvement may not have the lowest barrier to entry, but Christians are called to respect the authorities and be good stewards of what we have – including our vote. This means that we should not be politically apathetic and that we must vote wisely.
As a young believer looking towards the coming General Election, I’ve had time to make some reflections about it. And so, here are 3 biblical principles that will inform my vote.
1. Seek justice and righteousness
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
While the Bible makes no explicit mention of “politics” or “voting”, it does outline a few timeless principles for societal involvement. As Christians, our votes are not just political choices, but moral and spiritual choices.
Act justly. Justice is on God’s heart. Seek leaders that uphold integrity, fairness and truth. Find those who are righteous in action and honest in their dealings.
Love mercy. Beyond justice, God calls us to compassion. Are the policies proposed self-serving, or do they bring what is noble and good to society? As voters, do we support showing compassion to the people around us?
Walk humbly with your God. While we cannot expect all leaders to share our faith, we can look for those who exhibit servant leadership which is the way Christ lived. Are they willing to serve the people rather than seeking power for its own sake?
As we approach the voting booth, let us remember that our choices reflect our values. A vote is not just a mark on a ballot. It is a reflection of our pursuit of justice, mercy and humble obedience to God’s design for society.
2. Think of the future generation
Our vote is not just for the present, it is for the future. What kind of Singapore do we want to see? What environment do we want our future generations to grow up in?
We vote for the lawmakers of our land. We vote for those who represent not just us, but our future generations. We vote for the changemakers, the Budget creators, the policy enactors. Our vote influences policies in areas like education, housing and governance.
In Singapore’s Parliament, parties may choose to wield what is known as a “party whip”, which informs MPs of the party’s stance on key issues.
If the party whip is enforced, the MPs (that we have voted for) will vote in alignment with the party’s stance. If the party whip is lifted, MPs can then vote according to their conscience and convictions.
That slip of paper we put into the ballet box signifies our confidence in a certain candidate. But it also signifies our confidence in a certain party and their policies on key issues that affect us.
When the party whip is enforced, is the party’s stance in alignment with what we want for ourselves, and our future generation?
When the party whip is lifted, is the MP’s stance, then, in alignment with our values? Are these values something that we want to pass on to the future generation through our vote?
Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”
Our civic engagement is part of the inheritance. Our vote inadvertently decides the moral, social and economic landscape of Singapore.
Before we tackle any other big questions, we must first recognise that to the next generation, our vote is our legacy – vote wisely.
3. Respect our authorities
We should recognise that as we make our vote, we are subject to the democratic process.
Jesus said in Matthew 22:21 that we should render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Part of our civic responsibility as citizens is to vote, being subject to our system which has been established by God (Romans 13:1).
Ultimately, respecting our authorities means recognizing that voting is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Even if the results of the vote are not what we hope for, we are called to submit to leadership, and pray continually for the welfare of our nation (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Let us trust in God’s plans for Singapore and seek to be faithful stewards of our role in society.
And so, what can we do in this General Election season?
Finally, I’d like to suggest 3 Ps that can help us navigate the General Election winsomely and with faith.
#1: Practise discernment
In an age of misinformation, AI-generated content and deepfakes, it’s easy to be misled. Be wise and careful with the content we see or hear, and always cross-check information received with official sources.
#2: Participate respectfully during political discussions
We are called to be peaceful and considerate in our conversations, maintaining respect for the authorities (Titus 3:1-2). Politics can potentially be divisive – but as Christians, let us engage graciously in such conversations and build understanding amongst fellow Singaporeans.
#3: Pray for the candidates and our nation
Most importantly, let us commit this election season to God in prayer. Pray for wisdom for the candidates, that they may lead with integrity and justice. Pray for unity in Singapore, that we will always remain steadfast and united as one people.
