As Americans, we are taught that voting is something we’re supposed to do. It’s something that’s been ingrained in us since we were children. Sometimes, it was as simple as getting voted to be the captain of your summer soccer team, or maybe it was being elected to the student council in high school. Then came adulthood, and the real voting began.
Every four years, the most important election in our land comes around—the election of the President of the United States. Some argue that it’s really the election of the most powerful person on planet Earth. They’re probably right. However, what usually happens for far too many is that they vote according to group identity or tradition or party affiliation or family pressure or media pressure. Too many are making a decision of incredible importance based on the shallowest of reasons, or worse, not voting at all, figuring their vote doesn’t really matter. There’s confusion, indecision, and sometimes apathy.
I think a reason for the confusion is around the issue of trust. I think a lot of people these days do not know who to trust, so they just throw their virtual hands up in the air and roll their virtual dice in choosing a candidate as if it doesn’t really matter. But it does matter. Is this good enough for a committed Christian? I don’t think so, and I don’t think you do either.
As in all areas of our life, when we need guidance, Christians should first turn to Scripture. The Bible doesn’t speak directly about how we should vote, but there is a frequently-cited verse, Jeremiah 29:7, that I think should shape our decision. “7But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
So, does that admonition still apply to Christians today? I agree with John Piper, who once said about this verse, if that was true for God’s people who were exiles in Babylon, it would seem to be even more true for Christian exiles in this very Babylonian world that we live in today. But where do we go to determine which candidate or party has the best interest in the welfare of the people?
- Who has the most support? Nope, that’s bad.
- Listen to who sounds the more polished? That’s bad reasoning.
- Which one will make the world like us again? No, that’s people-pleasing.
- Which one can I be most proud of? Again, nope.
All these are often cited as reasons to vote for someone, but they are shallow reasons. What’s better than going to a source that has absolute moral authority, rather than current theoretical authority?
What does it matter how the world changes when God does not? Malachi 3:6 says, “6‘For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.’” In other words, God loves you and He’s patient. Aren’t you glad He doesn’t change? Hebrews 13:8 says, “8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He’s not evolving, and neither is His Word. Psalm 119: 89 says, “89Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
Hold Them Up to the Top 10
So, the good news is that this whole process couldn’t be easier. Simply take the views and positions of both candidates and hold them up to the Bible, rather than someone or something that seems so at odds with Christianity at every turn. As you do this, remember that no one’s perfect. You won’t find a flawless candidate. There’s only been one perfect, sinless, anointed Lord and Savior, and that’s Jesus Christ.
So how do you hold a candidate’s views up to the Bible? There are likely many ways you can do this, but I suggest starting with the Ten Commandments. Either in your head, on your phone, or actually grab paper and pen, and write the candidates’ names at the top and then add a column with numbers 1-10 going down the side. After you consider each of the Commandments, put a checkmark under the candidate whose views best align with that Commandment.
- Commandments 1-3 – Honoring God and centering our lives around Him and putting Him first. So, is the candidate God-centric? Place a checkmark in the column of the candidate who most upholds worship—the church and Jesus Christ.
- Commandment 4 – Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Think of Hebrews 10:25 and the commandment that says (paraphrased), Do not forsake the habit of gathering in-person, together for worship. So, whoever is marginalizing the church is not who a Christian would want to vote for.
- Commandment #5 – Honor your father and mother. The family is God’s idea, and as the family goes, so goes the nation every time. If the importance of family is paramount to a candidate, put another check in that candidate’s column. If they say anything like “it takes a village,” they are downplaying the family and not fighting for Biblical values.
- Commandment #6 – Thou shalt not kill. Easy-peasy on this one. Does the candidate sugarcoat the killing of the unborn with nice-sounding monikers like pro-choice and women’s rights? If so, then they’re breaking the sixth commandment. Put a checkmark in the other candidate’s column.
- Commandment #7 – Thou shalt not commit adultery. This may be one of the categories where often both candidates come up a little short. Do they trivialize marriage? Or maybe one has a stable relationship while the other has been married a time or three. Important here is to look at the position and platform on the issue rather than for the sinless, flawless leader, because, again, only Jesus fits that description.
- Commandment #8 – Thou shalt not steal. Again, this seems easier than most make it out to be. Let me put it like this: if one party and or candidate is edging towards socialism or even communism, that’s basically the redistribution of wealth, a fancy way of saying stealing, so no checkmark for that candidate.
- Commandment #9 – Thou shalt not lie. I haven’t seen a non-lying candidate in my entire life. Maybe President Reagan came close because I think he really tried to be truthful. One day, we actually put forth a candidate with great integrity, who honestly tries to be faithful at every turn, and then give them an enthusiastic checkmark. If not now, you might need to leave this one blank.
- Commandment #10 – Thou shalt not covet. In world leadership, this would be the candidate who clearly just wants, or covets, power versus one who truly seems to be out to serve the people. Here’s how you figure this one out: “more government” usually equals the covet-power party. Give the checkmark to the candidate who promotes more freedom.
Well, as I mentioned, this isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start. Things are so muddy and getting darker these days, but you can usually make a determination with just the Ten Commandments and prayer. It’s frequently that obvious. Do this exercise, pray, and then go out and VOTE!
I’d also like to invite you to stay encouraged with more good news by checking out my new video series, “Ask P-Ro,” on my YouTube channel. I address issues just like this one in a real and relevant way. And don’t forget to check out The Summit’s weekly online worship experiences every Sunday morning at 9am and 11am Mountain time.
Until next time, live your life well for Jesus Christ.
~Pastor Rob
aka, “P-Ro”