Christians Entering the Election Season

As we get to the heart of the U.S. election season–hot on the heels of so much COVID-19 worry and controversy–I really wanted to reach out to my brothers and sisters with words I believe are biblical regarding our decisions and conversations.

Let us first remember that no matter how patriotic we are, our first loyalty must be to the Kingdom of Heaven. 1 Peter 2:11 tells us that Christians are foreigners and strangers to this world. Our loyalty is already in Heaven, and our earthly loyalties must always come second to that. To put it bluntly, if you are a Christian, the Christian flag should always take priority over the American flag.

Second, let us look at the life of Jesus. He was an Israeli Jew in a time when all of Israel was under Roman occupation. They were persecuted and put down. I challenge you to show me a passage in the Bible where Jesus told His followers to overthrow the Roman occupation! In fact that’s what they hoped and expected Jesus would accomplish and many were disappointed when that didn’t happen. He didn’t focus on politics once, but kept His attention on individuals. The closest He came to political conversations was in Matthew 22:

Matthew 22:15–22 (NLT): 15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Jesus didn’t tell them to rebel against the government, but to consider it secondary to serving God.

Third, let us admit that Jesus would not be Republican or Democrat. The Democratic party in the U.S. espouses a level of love and compassion for those in need that Jesus would agree with. The Republican part in the U.S. espouses a level of stewardship and respect for life that Jesus would agree with. I don’t believe we can, with integrity, support either party wholeheartedly. We must take the time and effort to examine individual candidates.

Fourth, in our conversations let us be gracious and speak in ways that draw people toward Jesus rather than allow them to paint us as “haters.” I’m not asking people to be soft on things they consider to be sin. I’m asking people to remember how much sin they have been forgiven of, and communicate that same grace to others. Remember that scary passage in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our mistakes as we have forgiven other?” Let us disagree with others in ways that are supportive and respectful–because if we’re honest, no other tone will change anyone’s opinion. You attacking me will not change my mind on the issue, but it will tell me a lot about who you are as a person…and the God you claim to serve.

Finally, let us earn the right to be heard. A random person on social media ranting about something means nothing to me. A man or woman who has given of themselves to make a difference in the world has established in my mind a whole lot more respect for that person, and I am far more inclined to listen to their opinion–and such a person is far more likely to word their opinions in ways that are acceptable rather than accusatory. What do people see of you and me? Do they see us actively working to show the love that Jesus said would be our hallmark? Or do they see a person who is constantly spewing venom against others?

Our end goal should never be some political win. Our end goal should always be the advancement of God’s Kingdom and the moving of people closer to Jesus Christ. I entreat you, please, to consider this in everything you say during the next few months.