Biblical Elections

Given the upcoming election, I want to make a few Biblical observations that I believe shape our worldview and political conversations as followers of Jesus Christ.

 1) We have a duty to be engaged in our political process (I Peter 2: 13). In our context, I believe that means exercising our right to vote and being informed about the issues.

2) The government of the world rests squarely on the shoulders of Jesus Christ. (Is 9:6,Mt 28:18). No matter who is in a position of authority at any level, Jesus Christ rules the world and His purposes will prevail (Prov. 19:21). Therefore we can trust in Him and not be afraid (John 16: 33).

3) Committed, orthodox, fully devoted followers of Christ have always disagreed about certain non-creedal matters of faith and life. This doesn’t mean we won’t be accountable for the positions we take. It just means we have to live in the tension of disagreeing and learn to love each other in the process.

4) Healthy political debate is a great value in our democratic nation. However we must be careful not to slide into personal attacks against one another. Eph. 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome word come from your lips” (Greek translation may also include emails!          Col. 4:6 says, “Let your conversations be always full of grace.”
We are to be gracious in our disagreements.

5) Questioning one’s spiritual standing based on political views is not only acting in the place of God but forbidden in scripture. (See Mt 7:1 – 5). In our political passion we must resist the temptation to play God and judge one another.
(Rom 14:4.)

6) Finally, I want to encourage you to speak and write about your political convictions with as much factual evidence as possible (Eph 4:15). We have a responsibility to represent others’ views as accurately as possible. In a world of YouTube and email, there can be much manipulation of facts on all sides of a political campaign. Doing our homework is essential before articulating our positions or the positions of others.

May the Lord lead us as we seek to follow Him and live out our faith in the public arena.

Trusting God with you,

  ~ David