The Standard October 19, 2024
Most Christians in the U.S. agree that it is important to vote. The question regarding which candidates deserve our support is another matter entirely. We hear some believers saying we should vote for character, others suggesting we should vote for policies, and still others advocating for both. Scripture does not specifically address voting, as people back then did not live in a representative democracy. There are no clear biblical parallels to our question.
We do know we should pay taxes and pray for those in authority. When asked about paying the imperial tax, Jesus says they should “give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21 The Apostle Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
The New Testament elaborates on selecting church leaders who are faithful, self-controlled, respectable, good examples, holy, upright, not quarrelsome, not lovers of money, not pursuing dishonest gain, and not quick-tempered. Of course, it would be nice to have elected officials who display these characteristics, but we do not live in a theocracy. Voting for civil servants is not the same as choosing church leaders. Some in authority might share many of our values, but that is not always the case. It is up to each of us to follow our conscience and decide where along the scale of character v. policy our vote will land. Let’s not judge fellow Christians who carefully weigh the choices and vote differently than we do.
Our biblical worldview includes priorities like truth, justice, freedom, peace, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, self-sacrifice, the sanctity of human life, the value of hard work, the importance of family, as well as care for the poor, the elderly and the young. Within that framework, Christians disagree about which of these priorities are most important. We do not all come to the same conclusions as to how government best reaches worthy goals.
In our differing perspectives, we must remember that God is far greater than human constructs like political parties. There is no “Christian” party; no side aligns completely with God’s values. No political figure ever has or ever will provide all the right answers. Power often corrupts. Sadly, falsehoods and greed are alive and well across the political spectrum.
On the bright side, ours is a counter-cultural approach. We have a sure hope. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12: 1-2
In his inaugural address, President Lyndon B. Johnson hit the nail on the head. “Under this covenant of justice, liberty, and union we have become a nation–prosperous, great, and mighty. And we have kept our freedom. But we have no promise from God that our greatness will endure. We have been allowed by Him to seek greatness with the sweat of our hands and the strength of our spirit.”
“In each generation, with toil and tears, we have had to earn our heritage again. If we fail now then we will have forgotten in abundance what we learned in hardship: that democracy rests on faith, that freedom asks more than it gives, and the judgment of God is harshest on those who are most favored.
If we succeed it will not be because of what we have, but it will be because of what we are; not because of what we own, but rather because of what we believe.”
celiastone 