(by Ron Schalow)
With another election coming up, most of us have already made our choice. Despite this, many are still arguing long and loud for a particular candidate or against a particular candidate.
Now, I ask, for the Christian, what’s the real issue? Here’s a hint – it’s not any specific candidate.
The real issue is this: Will we vote Biblically or politically?
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II Timothy 1:7 reminds us of how we are to live, which includes our actions at the ballot box: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)
The question is, will our vote be based on faith or will our vote be based on fear of the other political party?
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Exodus 18:21 lists attributes that we as believers need to support: “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” (Exodus 18:21)
The question is, will we insist on each of these attributes in the candidate we select, or will we ignore God’s word and accept a lesser candidate?
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Proverbs 6:16-19 lists attributes that God hates: “These six things the LORD hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
The question is, will we refuse to vote for any candidate described in this list, or will we ignore God’s Word and accept a lesser candidate?
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II Timothy 3:1-5 lists attributes that we as believers need to avoid: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of Godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (II Timothy 3:1-5)
The question is, will we refuse to vote for any candidate described in this list, or will we ignore God’s word and accept a lesser candidate?
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Political voting is voting for a political party (or against a political party), no matter what.
Biblical voting is voting for Biblical principles, no matter what.
Political voting is voting for the candidate that we believe can win according to historical trends.
Biblical voting is voting for the candidate who should win according to Biblical principles.
Political voting is voting for the perceived lesser evil against the perceived greater evil.
Biblical voting is voting for Biblical absolutes against any greater or lesser evil.
Political voting is voting based on desired outcomes.
Biblical voting is voting based on Biblical principles regardless of outcomes.
Political voting is preference voting, allowing for compromise based on the possible consequences.
Biblical voting is principled voting, standing firmly on the promises of God without regard to possible consequences.
Political voting is based on the desire to win.
Biblical voting is based on the desire to please God.
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Believers, which will it be?
(for more on this topic, see “Living by Faith Also Means Voting in Faith“)
Principled Thoughts 