I noticed that while the candidates of both parties are going at each other, as I would expect them to, some of my friends are going at them also and at each other. Let me offer some scriptural balance to this whole thing. Remember we are to be salt (flavor and preservation) and light (guidance and clarity). Here are 4 quick guidelines:
- Who to vote for: Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Vote for the folks who most closely manifest the qualities above. There are other qualities, but remember you’re voting for political office, not church elder. Also, you should use the same standards to select local representatives. That means you vote in local elections.
- To be left alone: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men, for kings and all that are in high place, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. The first goal of our involvement in the political process is so that we can serve the Lord and share His name! We get to select our leaders; we should pray as Paul exhorts and use his words as a guideline for voting. Which candidate will let us serve Him with the greatest freedom and peace?
- Don’t get ambitious: Well, this one could be 2a because it’s connected to the above. It is okay to branch out in your goals through the political process as long as you don’t destroy the peace mentioned above. All the other political goals are secondary. Saving the whales and coal mines is important (along with a lot of other things) but not at the expense of freedom to share the gospel.
- Be Christlike: 2 Peter 2:11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord. Jude 8-9 Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities. But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Let’s watch our manners, folks. Be ruled by a spirit of moderation and grace. Support your candidate. Oppose the other, but leave name calling to the world; it doesn’t really become you or the Lord. Oh, one more verse: John 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Remember, Christ followers are first of all citizens of heaven.
Happy campaigning!