After months of campaigning, a pile of polls, and more political commercials and robo-calls than anybody cares to remember, the election is finally upon us. I have heard this election called the “most critical one of our lifetime.” It may be. Time will tell. But then again every election is important and should call each of us as citizens to the voting booth.
Here is how we should vote…
With gratitude. I have seen many people lament the sheer number and negativity of political ads this campaign cycle. (Of course, I can’t remember anyone commenting after an election, “Wow, what a kind and gentle campaign that was. It was a virtual lovefest. And a good time was had by all the candidates.”) Campaigns often get nasty and lowbrow and, though everyone complains, we all somewhat expect it (and perhaps even enjoy it when the ad is for “our side.”) But even in the midst of negative campaigning, there is something to be thankful for. At least we live in a country where such campaigning is allowed. Do you think there are a multitude of negative commercials aired about the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt? Or consider those millions who do not even have the chance to vote in a fair election. Yes, our political system is broken in many regards and highly divisive but at least it doesn’t result in bloodshed or cruel oppression. For that, we can be thankful.
With prayer. The freedoms we enjoy can be lost that is why we are called to pray. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the apostle Paul tells us: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. We are to pray for our political leaders…by name…regardless of party. This pleases God who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (verse 3). And the reason we pray is so that we can live “peaceful and quiet lives” without interference from governmental authorities. This is the prayer for religious liberty. And this is the beauty of this country. As you vote tomorrow, thank God for the privilege of voting, pray for each candidate that you vote for, and pray that our nation will continue to preserve the precious gift of religious freedom.
With perspective. Yes, elections are important and vital. Leaders have influence and their decisions affect millions. That’s why of all the people we are to pray for, we are to pray especially for them. But at the same time, we must keep politics in perspective. No political leader is going to save the country, heal the planet, remove sin, cure disease, stop natural disasters, or transform the human heart. Our hunger for a political “messiah” to deliver us from our problems is a reflection of our desire for external comfort rather than internal change. The ancient Israelites had this same desire when they demanded a king who will “go out before us and fight our battles” (1 Samuel 8:20). They wanted someone to do the hard work for them, take care of them, and guarantee them comfort and security. Ironically such “high hopes” typically lead to less hope and more problems (8:10-18). There is only one Messiah and He is not a part of the Democratic or Republican parties.
With discernment. Perhaps the biggest danger of our age is that the most influential leader in our nation is increasingly elected because of “image” and appeal rather than substance and competence. In watching the analysis after each presidential debate, I was amazed (saddened?) that the primary evaluation was often over “zingers,” facial expressions, emotional appeal, and who looked more presidential. If that is how we ultimately choose a leader, then we will certainly get the leader that we deserve. Rather, in the area of leadership, the Bible puts the emphasis on character and competence. Psalm 78:72 describes David’s leadership: David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Integrity of heart and skill of hands. Character matters because ultimately a person leads out of the core of who they are. Competence matters because leadership can’t be faked. It is either there or it is not. I would add one other element for a great leader: conviction. What does the leader believe? What does he/she promote? Personally, I hold to a Judeo-Christian worldview and I see the health of a society dependent on the health of marriage and the family (Genesis 2), the sanctity of life (Genesis 1, Psalm 139), the preservation of religious freedom (1 Timothy 2), and the upholding of justice–punishing those who do wrong and commending those who do right (1 Peter 2:14). And I will vote based on these things.
So go into the voting booth tomorrow with gratitude, prayer, perspective, and discernment. And leave knowing that the results are ultimately in the hands of the One who “sets up kings and deposes them” for His own purposes and glory (Daniel 2:21).
