I have to admit that, given the candidates for president on the ballot, it would be easy to just excuse yourself from voting. I completely understand that. First, as a Christian and as a conservative, I personally don’t feel either of the two presidential candidates represents my view on the issue of abortion, which to me, is the ultimate concern for this election. Second, as a resident of the state of Maryland it seems not to matter who I vote for since Maryland is such a blue state when it comes to presidential elections.

But, I’m going to vote and here’s why.

First, as indicated, the issue of abortion is of utmost importance to me. The sanctity of human life is a conviction based on the fact that every human being is created in the image of God. The democratic ticket for the white house would eliminate any restriction on abortion and would completely nullify the state’s power to make those restrictions. If babies being killed right up to the point of birth isn’t an abomination to you, as well as a scourge on our country, then I have to ask what’s it going to take to arouse your moral compass.

The blood of the innocent is on our hands if we fail to protect the right of the unborn to life. King Manasseh brought down God’s judgment on Judah for killing the innocent. Concerning this judgment the Bible says:

Surely this came upon Judah at the command of the LORD, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood that he had shed. For he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD would not pardon. (2 Kings 24:3-4) We’re kidding ourselves if we think God is going to turn a blind eye to the slaughter of innocent children being murdered in their mother’s wombs.

Second, not voting is empowering the votes you oppose by conviction. Al Mohler compared those who decide not to vote to Pontius Pilate who tried to wash his hands of participating in the crucifixion of our Lord. It didn’t work. When it comes to voting Mohler stated, “Moral abdication is not a Christian alternative.” I totally agree. You cannot be neutral.

Third, even though neither candidate for president would not be my first choice, there is a clear distinction in which is the lesser of two evils. I think of Lincoln’s choice of Ulysses S. Grant during the civil war. Grant was a crude individual who in many ways was unqualified to lead the armies of the north. Lincoln appointed him anyway saying, “I cannot spare this man, he fights.”

Finally, I’ll just say that as Christians we have a responsibility to seek the welfare of our country. Writing to the exiles living in ancient Babylon the Lord gave this instruction through the prophet Jeremiah: “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon…seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:4,7)

As Christians, we know that this world is not our home. “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20) Peter reminds us that we are exiles in this world and as such we must live for the good of those around us.