Dear sisters and brothers,
As election day nears, we are seeing something less than the best of behavior on the national stage and in local settings. I found this guide (in bold) and looked for some scripture (in italics) to back each point. I don’t know if the author would choose these exact scriptures, but I find them to be a good fit.
The Christian Voter’s Guide, by Brain Zahnd* (With some scriptural backing)
The political process, while necessary, has little to do with how God will save the world.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38
- The fate of the kingdom of God does not depend on political contests.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” – John 18:36
- Don’t be naïve; political parties are more interested in Christian votes than Christian values.
And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. – 2 Corinthians 2:12-15
- The bottom line for political parties is power. The bottom line for a Christian is love. And therein lies the rub.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; – 1 Corinthians 3:4
- While in pursuit of the Ring of Power, you are not permitted to abandon the Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:5-10
- If your political passion makes it hard for you to love your neighbor, you need to turn it down a notch.
In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12
- Your task is to bring the salt of Christian Civility to an ugly and acrimonious political process.
“…in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” – 1 Peter 3:15
- To dismember the body of Christ over politics is a grievous sin.
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:1-6
- Exercise your liberty to vote your conscience and conviction, while accepting that other Christians will do the same and vote differently than you.
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
- It is more important that your soul be filled with love than it is for your political team to win the game.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:9-10
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
– Philippians 4:5-9
Peace,
Pastor Layne
*Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also a pastor-theologian who has authored eleven books.