True Christians respect the right of others to vote. They do not campaign against elections, and they cooperate with elected authorities. However, they remain resolutely neutral with regard to the political affairs of the nations. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) http://biblize.com/search?q=Matthew+22:21;+1+Peter+3:16&q_scope=
What should a Christian do in lands where voting is compulsory or in a situation where feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth? Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits. However, he will take care not to violate his neutrality. He should take into account the following six principles:
1. Jesus’ followers are “no part of the world.”—John 15:19.http://biblize.com/search?q=John+15:19.&q_scope=
2. Christians represent Christ and his Kingdom.—John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 5:20.http://biblize.com/search?q=John+18:36;+2+Corinthians+5:20.&q_scope=
3. The Christian congregation is united in belief, and its members are bound together by Christlike love.—1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 3:14.http://biblize.com/search?q=1+Corinthians+1:10;+Colossians+3:14.&q_scope=
4. Those who elect a certain official share responsibility for what he does.—Note the principles behind the words recorded at 1 Samuel 8:5, 10-18 and 1 Timothy 5:22.http://biblize.com/search?q=1+Samuel+8:5,+10-18+and+1+Timothy+5:22.&q_scope=
5. Jehovah viewed Israel’s desire for a visible ruler as a sign that they had rejected Him.—1 Samuel 8:7.http://biblize.com/search?q=1+Samuel+8:7.&q_scope=
6. Christians must have freeness of speech when speaking to people of all political persuasions about God’s Kingdom government.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:35.http://biblize.com/search?q=Matthew+24:14;+28:19,+20;+Hebrews+10:35.&q_scope=
Civilian service. In some lands, the State requires that those who reject military service engage in some form of civilian service for a period of time. When faced with a decision on this matter, we should pray about it, perhaps discuss it with a mature fellow Christian, and then make our decision on the basis of an informed conscience.—Proverbs 2:1-5; Philippians 4:5.http://biblize.com/search?q=Proverbs+2:1-5;+Philippians+4:5.&q_scope=
God’s Word tells us to “be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good work, . . . to be reasonable.” (Titus 3:1, 2) http://biblize.com/search?q=Titus+3:1,+2&q_scope=
With that in mind, we might ask ourselves the following questions: ‘Will accepting the proposed civilian work compromise my Christian neutrality or cause me to be involved with false religion?’ (Micah 4:3, 5; 2 Corinthians 6:16, 17)http://biblize.com/search?q=Micah+4:3,+5;+2+Corinthians+6:16,+17&q_scope=
‘Would doing this work make it difficult for me to fulfill my Christian responsibilities or even prevent me from fulfilling them?’ (Matthew 28:19, 20; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
http://biblize.com/search?q=Matthew+28:19,+20;+Ephesians+6:4;+Hebrews+10:24,+25&q_scope=
‘On the other hand, would engaging in such service involve a schedule that would allow me to expand my spiritual activities, perhaps sharing in the full-time ministry?’—Hebrews 6:11, 12.http://biblize.com/search?q=Hebrews+6:11,+12.&q_scope=
If a Christian conscientiously concludes that he could perform civilian service rather than go to prison, fellow Christians should respect his decision. (Romans 14:10)http://biblize.com/search?q=Romans+14:10&q_scope=
If, though, he feels that he cannot perform such service, others should respect that position as well.—1 Corinthians 10:29; 2 Corinthians 1:24.
http://biblize.com/search?q=1+Corinthians+10:29;+2+Corinthians+1:24.&q_scope=
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