Voting as a Christian
Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
Exodus 18:20-23, NLT
I hear many Christians talk about why they feel our nation has become "less Christian". I hear them say it's because our president or elected representatives are leading our country in the wrong direction. Yet during our current presidential debate, all I have heard is people looking at each candidate and wondering, "could I be that person's friend?" "Do I like them as a person?"
If you really want to know my thoughts, I don't like either of them as a person. I'm sure that doesn't surprise you because that is the general consensus of Americans right now. So, people feel they have to choose between "two evils." I want to challenge you to look at things from a different perspective.
Things to Consider When Voting as a Christian:
- What are the issues at hand? Most of the debates have been focused on the candidate's character, so it is up to us to dig into the issues. The Billy Graham Association did a comparison of the nuts and bolts of the issues of each party called Democratic and Republican Party Platforms: Where They Stand on the Issues. It's a great way to get down to what each person is for.
- Where does scripture lie on each of these issues? Spend time in prayer and ask yourself, "how do these issues fit within my understanding of scripture?"
- Pray for discernment. Yes, I did say pray. We cannot separate our spiritual life from our political one. If we want our nation to become a Christian one again, we must pray over the person we elect, and we must pray for the individual who is elected every day.
Israel needed people to govern them in Exodus, so God had Moses choose people. It was a big decision. Today, we still need people to govern us. Involving God in our politics is the only way to make real, lasting change!
Please be in prayer for our nation and the upcoming election. And remember, we all have differences of opinion. It's not a reason to lose a friend.
Blessings,
Pastor Faith
Faith Parry serves as our Associate Pastor, and has been at the church since 2015. When she's not preaching and teaching, she enjoys documentaries and TV. Read more about Faith here.
