From the Capitol: Once again, put on your ‘Biblical glass’ and vote

Mike Griffin

It’s ultimately not about politics as much as it is about being Biblical in the way we live our lives.”

As many of you know, we are approaching the Georgia primary election on May 19. On April 27, early voting will begin and run through May 15. It is a time for Georgians to make their voices heard for those they support for the General Election coming up on Nov. 3, 2026. 

In addition to the primary election, there will also be elections for the Georgia Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals. There are two contested seats for the Supreme Court and two contested seats for the Court of Appeals. The other races are uncontested.

The court elections are not primaries; they are the final vote for the nonpartisan general election to fill those seats.  Please see this nonpartisan voter information on the court races from the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition: GA Supreme Court+Court of Appeals

Once again, Christians will have an opportunity as citizens of the state of Georgia, to weigh in by voting for the best candidates available. As we think about voting, it is important that we wear our “Biblical glasses” when we do so. By “Biblical glasses,” I am talking about seeing candidates from a Biblical worldview. 

Dr. Jim Garlow, author of the book Well Versed, once said this about himself, “I am NOT political; I am BIBLICAL!” I believe he meant that he does not approach politics by way of party affiliation and personal preference but rather looks at what the Bible says about the way government should be run and the people who serve in it. 

You see, we don’t live in a monarchy, but rather a republic. The first responsibility of a citizen in a monarchy is to “obey,” while the first responsibility of a citizen in a republic is to “participate.” One of the most important ways in which citizens participate in government is by voting in elections.

The first three words of the U.S. Constitution are, “We the people…” If we then look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 we will see the first three words are, “If my people…” Well, as both Americans and as God’s people, we can exponentially make a big difference in the kind of government we have! 

Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” If we don’t seek to change government in the right direction, we are going to have more mourning on the way. 

There is no doubt that we are at this point in time losing our best government by default. Too many Christians have disengaged from the public square for the cause of Christ. We somehow think that being “spiritual” means we are to disengage from involvement in government. 

As stewards before God, we are not only required to engage in the election process, but we are to do so from a Biblical perspective. Most Christians do not understand that God is the One who came up with government. If you look at Romans 13 you will see God’s perspective of government and its responsibility before Him. 

Since this is true, in a republic we as Christian citizens are supposed to participate as the “salt and light” that God has called us to be for the sake of the gospel and God’s glory! It is imperative, now more than ever, that we demonstrate the life-changing power of the gospel in the way we vote and serve in government. 

Standing up for truth and righteousness from a Biblical perspective gives witness to the difference that Christ makes in a life sold out to Him. You see, it’s ultimately not about politics as much as it is about being Biblical in the way we live our lives. 

It is God who has given us the home, the church, and the government as stewardship institutions on this earth. Therefore, we are to participate in such a way that we reflect the Biblical morality that honors and glorifies God and the gospel. 

So, make plans now to participate in the 2026 elections. Prove your love for God and others by caring about the kind of people you put in office. We are not going to get perfect people, but we need to get the best we can, to get the most done that is righteous and just.

If we are going to hand our children and grandchildren a better nation than was passed on to us, we had better roll up our sleeves and get to work before it is too late. 

Now is the time to once again make sure we have our Biblical glasses on!

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Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.