So many directions I could go with that title. Which one will I choose? This has been on my blog list for a while since we are in the middle of an election year and what appears to be a great battle between Barack Obama and John McCain. One of the things I’ve decided as a pastor is I will not say from the pulpit or on this blog who I think anyone should vote for. If you want to ask me my opinion, I’ll tell you but I’m not going to use our church or my position as a political platform. I am admittedly NOT a political junky, (My brother on the other hand…) but I do enjoy the whole political debate and occasional political show on tv.
Two Sundays ago I made some comments about politics, and as usually happens in church, I think people didn’t hear it quite the right way. So, I thought it was time to bust out this blog that’s been sitting around for a while. Here is my take on the church and politics as I attempt to answer the question “How should Christians vote?”
#1 Do it — Actually vote. I think it is not only our American duty, but our Christian duty to vote in elections. I think we should vote in our local, state and country elections. I’m amazed at how many people (including Christians) don’t use their freedom to vote. WE have the opportunity to put into office people we believe will take our government in the right direction.
“Does my one vote really matter?” First, that’s not the point, and YES it does if 500,000 people use that as their excuse. AND, I don’t want to hear you complain about any elected official if you aren’t going to vote.
#2 Vote Informed — I’ve not always been the greatest at this but I’m getting better. We need to be informed voters. Know WHO we are voting for and WHY. ESPECIALLY as Christians. I know we may not be able to recite a political candidates platform on EVERYTHING, but we should know more than we typically do. There are several online places where you can compare the candidates (presidential) and where they stand for on issues. Typically states and local governments provide those as well.
#3 Vote AFTER Prayer — Take voting seriously enough that you ask God who you should vote for. Pray about it. Pray over the candidates. And remember, regardless of who is elected GOD IS IN STILL IN CONTROL! NEITHER John McCain NOR Barack Obama is the answer for America, JESUS IS. AND, if history plays out as I think it will, eventually we’ll most likely have a president who will agree with and/or take America into and through worldwide persecution of Christians. Remember, Jesus wins and the Gospel will not be stopped.
#4 Don’t vote just because… — This is what was said at church that I think some people heard different. I said, and I quote (at least closely) “Do not vote for someone JUST BECAUSE they are a Christian. JUST BECAUSE they are a Christian does NOT mean they will make a good president.” I think many times, the church has supported candidates SOLELY on the fact that they were “good Christians” and nothing to do with whether or not they could lead a country.
Would I love a “good Christian” president? ABSOLUTELY! (And by the way, doesn’t nearly every candidate say they are a Christian?) But I ALSO want him/her to have some ability to lead, govern, negotiate, be fiscally sound, know foreign policy, AND THE LIST GOES ON! Being a Christian does NOT automatically qualify someone to be our president. If I have to go see a specialist for Cancer, would I LOVE, even PREFER for them to be a Christian. ABSOLUTELY! But I much more need them to be a doctor who can deal with cancer. If I need counseling on an issue do I want a Christian counselor? YES! But just because they are a Christian does not make them a good counselor. If I need financial advice do I want a Christian? YES! But just because they are Christian doesn’t make them a good financial adviser. (I know some Christians who would be HORRIBLE financial advisers) It’s kind of like the Holiday Inn Express commercials “Are you a doctor?” “No, but I am a good Christian!” Do I need to go on?
Should we vote according to our values? YES! Should we pray for godly men and women to lead our great country? ABSOLUTELY! Should we pray for our leaders even if they AREN’T Christian? DUH! Every election, I pray that truly godly and Christian candidates will rise to the top, AND that they also have the gifts, skill and knowledge to lead us politically.
#5 Trust Jesus — Presidents don’t change morality Jesus does. Presidents don’t fix marriages Jesus does. Presidents can’t mend broken hearts Jesus does. Presidents cannot advance OR stop the Gospel, JESUS DOES!
Voting,
Jeff
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