As we are all painfully aware, yet another national election for president is fast approaching. After months of being inundated with political advertising, pleas for financial support, robo-calls from prominent political endorsers, we will finally cast our vote for the person we hope will be elected the next president of the United States.
But, what responsibility do we have as Christian voters, that distinguishes us from others who will be voting in November? The answer too many would give is “none!” That’s because a great many Christians believe that the political realm, should be kept entirely separate from matters of faith, as if one has nothing to do with the other. I can’t agree with this notion, because I believe God has an interest in whatever matters to us, and will shape the world God has created and loves. In other words, God does have a stake in our political choices. The Bible, unfortunately, offers very little guidance to Christian voters, because people who lived in those ancient biblical civilizations never had the opportunity to elect their own leaders as we do.
Thus, I have to be honest that what I’m offering you in this article is mostly my own opinion, informed by what scripture has to say about the responsibility we have to our communities, and our neighbors. This means, it isn’t enough for the Christian to stand in a voting booth, and vote as most citizens do, in self-interest, based on a candidate’s positions on the issues that matter most to us. Economics frequently drive those choices—which candidate is going to be best for my personal prosperity and that of my loved ones. Or, border security, reproduction, the environmental well-being of the planet—today’s hot button issues.
No, as a Christian voter, I believe, we must carefully consider the character of the candidates. This is something that used to matter a great deal more to voters, I think. In fact, I/m astonished and deeply troubled by the actions and behaviors that American voters are willing to excuse and tolerate from candidates for office. I think it should go without saying that ethics, morality and character should matter to the Christian voter. Then I think Christian voters must also take into consideration which candidates for office will advocate policies that benefit not just themselves, but the community, especially those persons Jesus cared for and advocated for most, the poor and vulnerable—people with no power, who need someone with power and influence to champion their needs and concerns.
Those are my thoughts concerning the upcoming national election. Obviously, I don’t presume to tell you who you should vote for in this contest, but I have identified those matters which I believe should be of concern to someone whose Christian faith plays a significant role in their decision making. My prayer is that all Christians will take the issues of character, and commitment to broadly serving people’s needs into careful consideration, as they cast their vote for President in November.
God Bless!