A Higher Standard: Trusting God in Your Voting Decisions

My absentee ballot arrived, and I’ve been reading, watching interviews, and praying for God’s guidance on how He wants me to vote. In Wisconsin, voters are choosing between Judges Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor for the Supreme Court. While the race is officially nonpartisan, Lazar is generally conservative-leaning, backed by Republicans, and Taylor is liberal-leaning, supported by Democrats, with prior leadership at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

This seat could potentially influence abortion laws, and for me, that matters deeply.

Elections should be forcing us to weigh these issues. Many Christians hear the same advice: vote for the “lesser of two evils.” But I’ve been convicted to go deeper and ask -what does that mean for a Christian to approach voting morally and faithfully?

When abortion enters any conversation, even if it is not the central focus of a campaign, the question becomes more than political. It becomes a matter of conscience, faith, and obedience to God.

The Scope of Abortion in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, abortion is currently legal up to 20 weeks gestation under existing state law, with exceptions for the life or health of the mother.

Judge Maria Lazar has said she does not intend to legislate from the bench but will uphold the law as it exists. Although she personally would not have chosen abortion, she has described a potential six-week fetal heartbeat law as a “middle ground,” noting that it reflects what Wisconsinites might support rather than a personal or judicial directive.

But here’s the issue: no matter how “pretty” it’s dressed up, compromise or “middle ground” of any kind still kills innocent life.

Whether at six weeks, 20 weeks, or any other arbitrary line, the result is the destruction of a child who, in God’s image, bears intrinsic worth and dignity.

Scripture does not say, “Thou shalt not murder—except before six weeks.”

It says “You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13 

Babies are among the most vulnerable, unable to speak or defend themselves. Paul prayed on behalf of those who had no voice: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8 

Resolving the debate around abortion by supporting a lesser window still treats innocent life as a compromise rather than an absolute moral good. 

No fetus is “less human” at any stage of development, and nothing in Scripture suggests a sliding scale of moral worth based on gestational age.

Your Role and Responsibility

You can point to Lazar’s comments on believing Wisconsinites might support a fetal heartbeat law as a positive step forward in protecting babies as a reason to support her.

Some may see Lazar’s comments about a fetal heartbeat law as a positive step forward in protecting babies. But here is the heart of the issue: upholding any law that permits abortion still affirms a system where innocent lives are taken. A conservative leaning does not automatically make a candidate the “lesser evil."

We cannot claim to uphold the sanctity of life while honestly considering this talking point as a good thing, or a great “compromise,” when children are still being openly killed.

It is permissive of murder, and Christians must reject evil in all forms, not merely in its most extreme expressions.

Christian Discernment

Totally radically and critical thinking thought here. But what if we didn't listen to the politics and instead surrendered our vote into God's hands? Will He have me vote for Taylor, or Lazar, or not at all? Not a clue yet, but it's out of my hands and in His.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 

Discernment does not mean choosing the least offensive immoral option. It means praying, standing with God and firmly for what is right, even when the political system presents only flawed choices. Christians are rightly called to participate in civic life, voting, advocating for justice, supporting the vulnerable, yet our allegiance must always be to Christ first.

Obedience to Scripture sometimes means refusing to settle for moral compromise, even when that choice is difficult for us to understand or an unpopular decision.

Many Christians treat their vote as if simply casting a ballot guarantees they have made the “right” choice. But the more important question is: did you bring that choice to God first? If not, your vote holds no weight in His eyes.

True Christian discernment means surrendering your vote to God before all else. Doing so demonstrates a heart fully trusting Him and a willingness to align our civic actions with His will, rather than following party lines, church pressure, or popular opinion.

Closing Challenge to Believers

Christ calls His followers to a higher standard, not a political party. Israel in the Old Testament was called to separate themselves from practices that harmed the innocent; likewise, Christians today must not shrink from advocating for the most vulnerable among us.

Whether at six weeks, 20 weeks, or any point in development, abortion is still the taking of innocent life. Christians are commanded to stand for life without compromise.

To read and settle for any middle ground as "better then it was before" that still excuses, permits and doesn't stop the innocent bloodshed that society calls "health care" now.

It's not health care, it's a demonically elected cosmetic procedure.

© Jane Isley