How Now Shall We Vote?

By Pastor Kevin Van Wyk
​I’m disgusted with our political parties, candidates, media, and virtually everyone else speaking into politics at this point. I opened my mailbox today to find four political items. All four were identical and addressed to each voter in our home. I could only cringe at the deceptive way my preferred candidate was treated. It’s just wrong. I imagine people on both sides feel this way as we read the opposition’s attacks. It’s really out of hand, but not likely to change.
So, what do we as Christians do? 
1. Avoid Deception. The deceptive ads come from every direction. Sometimes the attacks are humorous, in that they only confirm my vote for the candidate. Other times, they're just slanderous and mean. 

Paul never would have made it as a politician, but his words are helpful to us… “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor. 4:2)

As Christians, we must cut through the deception and find the truth. That is very difficult these days. I hope the following two points are helpful.

2. Identify Biblical Principles that Should Guide Us. Our world is asking, “What issues are important to you?” That’s the basic question behind much of the polling going on right now. However, we must ask, what does God consider important in a political leader.

The Bible teaches that they must be ones who punish evil and promote good. Peter said, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14, See also Rom. 13). Our nation is very divided on what qualifies as right and wrong. 

With that said, I see two major issues that God does care about and is very clear about his views. The first was not mentioned in any of the polls I looked at. The very definition of family, marriage, and gender (Gen. 1-2; Mat. 5:31-32, 19:1-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7) are under attack, and it apparently was not relevant to the pollsters at all. If a candidate can’t or won’t define what a woman is, how can he be trusted to make wise decisions?

The second issue is hotly debated in our nation, but crystal clear in Scripture. Abortion is murder. It is breaking the sixth commandment (Exod. 20:13). The idea that a fetus is part of the mother and not a life in itself has long ago been disproved. There is grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. If you had an abortion or helped a girlfriend get one, you know the heartache and guilt from such an action. Charis Pregnancy Center in Fond du Lac (charisfdl.com) is there to help you and any mothers navigating pregnancy. 

When it comes to us electing government officials to promote good, we must remember life is good. For a far better and more thorough defense of voting pro-life read… www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/pro-life-arguments-explained-part-1/ 

Once we have clarity on key Biblical principles that should guide us, we must look at where the candidates stand.

3. Identify and Vote for Godly Candidates. As I stated above, mailers and TV ads are a terrible place to find out where candidates stand. Fortunately, some people have done a lot of work to give you some hard evidence of where the candidates stand. Check this out… www.ivoterguide.com

4. Pray for the Elected Leaders. Paul pushed Timothy to call on God to work in the leaders to allow peaceful, godly living.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Tim. 2:1-2) We need not fret and worry when our candidate loses. God is able to use the most evil leaders as they are or change their hearts. We are called to submit to and pray for the leaders. 

PRAYER:
Almighty Ruler of all creation, you have been faithful and good. Give us wisdom to understand the truth and to select the leaders you want in office. Give us courage to speak the truth with love and grace. Bless our officials with Godly wisdom to restrain evil and promote good. In Jesus Name, Amen.