Pastor’s Manna

Voting as a Christian

This year our election process has become extremely problematic for the Christian who takes seriously their responsibility as a citizen to participate in the political process of electing a President. I have been part of many discussions in which the entire election is being summarized as being about the “lesser of two evils”. We have become so used to a two party system in our nation that a ballot with five choices (if you include the write-in option) is sum-marized by eliminating any choice that isn’t the primary left or right candidate.

When we do this (narrowing down to two choices and declare one the lesser of two evils), we actually speak the truth, and just are not yet realizing it. As Russell Moore wrote earlier this year in Christianity Today: “unless Jesus of Nazareth is on the ballot, any election forces us to choose the lesser of evils. Across every party and platform, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Of course, as we enter an election time, all sorts of negative things will come out about any candidate. That is how politics are played, and because we as citizens allow, participate in, and endorse this method, we have selected the leading candidates. We, ourselves, are responsible if we are unhappy with these front runners. This year we have leading candidates that many people find not likeable because we have allowed our political process to be run this way. Some voters feel it would just be easier to not vote, thereby protesting their own party’s candidate, while not supporting the candidate of the other party.

I urge you, however, as Christians, to participate in your governmental process. If you don’t like a candidate, or two, or three, don’t vote for them, but DO vote. There are the 5 options on our ballot. Do your research and find which candidate best aligns with your Christian world view. As you dig deeper into the candidates you may find yourself surprised by what they support and what they believe. You may find that one of these choices actu-ally isn’t as bad as you think, and is worthy of your vote. This is not an election for Christians to sit back and observe, we must vote our morals, values and faith for the candidate that will lead our nation for the next four years.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, I know the following to be true:

 •  Paul tells us in Romans 1:32 that we will be called to account not just for evil deeds we do, but for “approving of those who practice such evil deeds.” When we vote, we are giving someone our approval. Let that sink in as you ponder this upcoming election.

   •  Psalm 33: 10-11 tells us who is really in control: The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

May we rest in the peace of mind knowing that God and God alone is sovereign over all, and God’s desires for the nations and God’s people will come to pass.

God is in control … we are not, and may it ever continue to be so!

In Him,

Pastor Jon