As we get close to the upcoming election I wantd to share my thougths on how believers, Christians should evaluate the canadates. Have you ever wondered who you should vote for in the next election? God tells us in the Bible actually. While He does not give us the names, he does reveal what to look for, which will lead you to the more appropriate person for the position(s). It takes study and discernment, but you can know who to give your vote to.
Look for a “Terror”
Romans 13, verses 1-7 commands us to “be subject to” the authorities over us. In those same verses we read that “rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil” and that these leaders are “ministers of God” for “our good.” Therefore, the first arrow pointing to the best person is that, ideally, they do not tolerate evil.
In more worldly terms, they are less aligned with evil. Yes, “evil” is an ambiguous word, but discussing what it is would be an entirely different writing. Suffice it to say, God’s word tells us clearly the differences between evil and good (Galatians 5:19-23).
It is unsettling that there are professing Christians out there who do not just support, but proudly support government leadership that reflects ungodliness. As Christian voters, we tend to forget that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Rather than support leaders of a particulat party, or one who have a hint of righteousness or a semblance of godly fear, some professing Christians choose to support leaders that are clearly anti-God in their words, decisions, lifestyles, and behaviors. These elected leaders make policy that go against the greater good or attack “good works” rather than protect them.
Seek Ye First the ‘Kingdom’ of God
Matthew 6:33, the oft-quoted verse, reminds us to seek the kingdom of God, first, and His righteousness, Jesus Christ, over worrying about food or clothing. If we apply this in an earthly sense, instead of thinking ‘what I can get’ from the candidate, seek God’s best for the “kingdom” think about the “good” the candidate(s) can bring to the entire nation. This is why we must know and understand their policies that we utimately affedt the people.
In national leadership, state leadership, and other political choices we may have forgotten to pursue the “kingdom of God and His righteousness,” not realizing, or sadly not caring about, the impact on the welfare of the nation these decisions can have.
When it comes to voting, neither emotional appeals nor selfishness should outweigh Bible-based, critical thinking among God’s people. When we vote contrary to the “kingdom,” we are declaring the wisdom of God is not as important as the wisdom of this world. But let us not forget, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19).
Examine Their Hearts
Remember David? God chose him to be king of Israel, not because of his stature or appearance, but because God looked on the inner man, which is of great value to the Lord:
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Apostle Peter reflected the same in his general epistle: “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4).
The story of David is not a distant anecdote from the ‘Old’ Testament. The Bible says the Old Testament was written for our learning (Romans 15:4). Let us learn to discern the heart of candidates by examining their words. The Lord told us that what flows from the mouth is what is in the heart (Matthew 15:19). Perhaps if we listen more carefully to what candidates say in different situations as opposed to campaign speeches only, we can learn what is in their hearts then make more informed biblical decisions
Prove All Things
Christians are commanded to “prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). First John 4:1 commands us to “test the spirits.” That means we need to put potential leaders to the test.
What test? Paul told Timothy that those who consent not to the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus Christ are foolish, proud, and to be rejected (1 Timothy 6:3-5). These are our standards as believers. Candidates who demonstrate a lack of wholesomeness or who reject Christ ought not receive our votes. They will only poison our nation. And the Lord knows we already have enough of them in Congress.
Paul also told Timothy to follow after righteousness (1 Timothy 6:5). Do your political choices reflect that? Do you support leadership that shows indications of righteousness in character, in attitudes, in behavior, or the closest thing to it?
Jesus Christ, the humble, meek, Lamb of God, of Isaiah 53 changed the world. Why not look for someone Christlike who can be used of God to change our part of the world?
As Christians, we say that we pray for wisdom and the Lord’s will in national elections, but do we? Do we follow God’s word in proving all things? We will not find His will in emotional appeals, grandiose presentations, or physical appearances. If we truly want to vote the best person for the position, we will examine God’s word, where we can find out who that may be.
