3 & 4 May 2025 (Pastoral Page) GENERAL ELECTION THROUGH A CHRISTIAN LENS

By Snr Ps Beh Soo Yeong

On May 3, citizens of Singapore will head to the polls to vote in our General Elections. As we exercise our once-in-five-years constitutional right to vote, how do we do so responsibly and wisely, and what does the Bible say about exercising our civic duty? While the Bible does not speak explicitly about general elections, there are some principles that we can glean from its teachings:

1.  Vote and submit

As disciples of Jesus, our ultimate and most fundamental allegiance is to Jesus. Still, in Romans 13.1-7, we are told to submit to the authorities over us, which are instituted by God. Hence in obeying the Scriptures, we submit to the authorities placed over us. It is important to note that during Paul's time, the people did not have the chance to choose their authorities, which were just thrust upon them. In other words, we have a privilege and a duty today that Paul did not have – to vote and choose a government to whom we may submit.

In the same vein, we must recognise that regardless of our personal preference, the government that will be elected is indeed established by God. We must therefore submit to and obey these authorities, even if they turn out not to be our choice, unless of course they violate the commands of God.

2.  Seek the good of our society

Even during the time of their forced exile in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah tells the Israelites to seek the welfare of the nation and pray for it so that when the nation prospers, they too will prosper (Jeremiah 29.7). Implicitly, God places authorities over us so that there will be good order and governance (Romans 13.3-4; 1 Peter 2.14).  Hence, when we vote, the wellbeing of our nation must be foremost in our consideration, not merely what we prefer. Consider the policies that we like (or not), are they good or detrimental to our society at large? Put aside our personal agenda and seek the good of our society in our vote. Similarly, choose the leaders whom you believe would seek the good of the nation and be competent to do so.

3.  Elect people of character

One important attribute of leaders is godly character. Even though ours is a secular state where not every leader is a Christ-follower, we should endeavour to choose leaders with values that do not contradict those espoused in Scriptures. Therefore, seek to elect leaders of integrity and honesty.

Choose leaders who will act justly and love mercy and would walk humbly (Micah 6.8), even in the midst of all the competing demands and trappings of the public office. In 1 Kings 9.4, we see that God desires his servant-king to walk with integrity of heart and uprightness. I believe this is true as well for all leaders even if they are not Christ followers, after all, trust that is engendered by integrity is the basic medium of exchange between leaders and followers.

4.  Exercise due diligence and respect

In the process of evaluating the candidates, let us be diligent to know who the candidates are and what they represent. Of course, it is difficult to thoroughly know them, given the very limited interactions with them. Nonetheless, we should seek to find out and understand as far as possible, who and what we are voting for. Take care not to buy into half-truths or fake news, or worst, to forward unsubstantiated claims and slander. Respect all candidates and supporters as people who are trying to make a positive contribution, rather than mock those whom we do not support. Be peacemakers who seek to include and unite.

5.  Pray for our leaders

Finally, let us pray for the Election process and proceedings. Pray that in God’s sovereign will, he will raise political leaders who will seek the wellbeing of our nation in fulfilment of his kingdom’s purpose. Pray that only leaders who are sincerely concern and adequately competent for the task of nation building will be elected to public office. Last but not least, pray that after the final ballot is cast, all the elected politicians will put aside their party agendas, to work together for the betterment of Singapore, especially those who are marginalised or disenfranchised.