There is an election coming up.
I am going to tell you how to vote.
It’s something that I’ve done almost every election that I have been a pastor.
I always get in trouble, but here it goes.
I am going to tell you how to vote.
It’s something that I’ve done almost every election that I have been a pastor.
I always get in trouble, but here it goes.
We are surrounded by voices and images trying to influence us to vote a certain way. It is estimated that over $10,000,000,000 will be spent this election by parties and political committees to influence your vote. That doesn’t include the pundits, social commentators, online experts, or news agencies spinning things so that you will vote the way they want you to vote.
Often one candidate is cast as an evil or bumbling person who will destroy the country (or maybe just your life) while the other candidate will lead us to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. It’s all designed to motivate you to vote in a certain direction.
Once again, this election is portrayed as the one that will determine the final destiny of America. Every election cycle has been like that, only it seems palpably real this time. Maybe that’s the effect of the record amount of money being spent. Or perhaps it’s the effect of social media. Or maybe it’s just 2020. After all, it’s been that kind of year.
So how should you vote? Easy.
Get a copy of the platforms of the various parties. A platform is their list of what they hope to accomplish. Don’t rely on “voter’s guides”. They are often produced by partisan groups. Go straight to the party platforms. The Democratic platform is found here. The Republican platform is found here. Do a simple Google search to find other minor parties and their platforms.
Candidates almost always follow the party line. By voting for a candidate you are saying that you want them to drive the country in that direction. Read the platforms with an open Bible. That is, read the platforms and compare them with your best understanding of what the Bible says. It will take some time, but it is worth the effort. You may find some issues black and white. Others will be shades of gray. Sometimes one party may support some issues you think are biblical while also supporting other unbiblical ideas. What issues are the most important biblically? Which party best reflects your understanding of what the Bible teaches?
Then consider the candidates themselves. Are they qualified to serve in the role they are campaigning for? Do they have the qualities to be a good leader in taking the country in the direction of their party’s goals? Decide how that factors into your decision.
Notice what I left out: Political advertising. Rush Limbaugh. Rachel Maddow. Tucker Carlson. Wolf Blitzer. Dan Rather. Stephen Colbert. Ben Shapiro. Ann Coulter. Bill Maher. Glenn Beck. Jon Stewart. Sports stars. Actors. Your union. AARP. CNN. Fox News. YouTube videos. Podcasts. TV and Radio preachers. Your pastor. Your crazy Uncle Louie. Did I miss someone? Add them to this list.
You get the picture. It’s you, the party platforms, the Bible, and God.
Realize that there will be no perfect party or candidate…at least not until Jesus returns. Until he does, pray for wisdom as you prayerfully weigh the issues in the light of the Bible and then vote.
We will soon have the results. Whether your candidate wins or loses, life will go on. We will still be called to love the Lord and love others. We will be about the task of making disciples of all nations. We will pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-6). We will serve one another in love. We will do the work the Lord has set before us until he comes to take us home.
Come quickly, Lord.
