Proverbs 11:10–11 (NKJV) — 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

How a city is blessed. A city will be blessed when the righteous are in positions of authority and influence. (See Proverbs 29:2.) But if the wicked capture these positions, the city will suffer. (See Proverbs 29:8.) Many cities, states, and nations suffer a leadership crisis because God’s people are unwilling to involve themselves in civic affairs.

In the Old Testament, God’s people sometimes held positions of authority and influence. Moses was both a religious and civil ruler. Daniel was the first of three presidents set over 120 princes, and he answered directly to Darius the king (Daniel 6:1-3). His friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served directly under him (Daniel 2:46-49). Joseph was the governor of Egypt, serving directly under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:41-44). There were saints in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22). At least one early Christian, Erastus, held a very responsible civic position: city chamberlain, or treasurer (Romans 16:23).

In a republican form of government, such as the United States and Canada have, it is the duty of every citizen to vote. It is also their privilege to become informed, influence other voters, attempt to convince those in office of their views, and run for office themselves. Christians who refuse to vote have no place to criticize the actions of those in office.

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