Last week I went to the polls and cast my ballot including my vote for President of the United States. I take voting seriously. It is a right and a privilege that so many throughout the world do not have. The freedoms we have as citizens of the United States should never be taken for granted. If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage you to cast your vote … and not just in the Presidential race, but in all the races. 

As is true for most people, I have political opinions. I certainly attempt to have my opinions filtered through my faith, and my faith is shaped by my understanding of God’s Word.

I have never been a pastor who endorses candidates or parties from the pulpit, but there are issues that are important to me, issues that affect how I vote.  Here are some (though certainly not all):

• The Sanctity of Human Life
• The Right to the Free Exercise of One’s Faith
• Equal Justice Under the Law
• The Protection of Marriage and the Family
• The Protection of the Young and Vulnerable
• The Responsibility of the Government to Protect Its Citizens
• The Responsibility of Elected Officials to Govern Justly and Fairly as Servants of the Citizens They Govern

Some may ask why I did not include in my list the faith and/or moral character of the candidates. I do indeed take these into consideration. My bias would be toward a candidate who professes faith in Christ, but I also understand that not all who wear the label “Christian” display a biblical faith in Jesus. 

As to the candidate’s character, I confess this one can be challenging. While acknowledging that no one is perfect, finding a candidate who is a hallmark of honesty and integrity and kindness may be an impossibility in most races for public office. I regret to say that I’ve become somewhat jaded when it comes to candidates and their promises. Still, I am committed to casting my ballot while knowing that my vote will in some sense necessitate compromise, so here is my basic approach: 

(1) I consider the candidate’s stated stances on the issues stated above and other timely issues affecting our nation. 

(2) I consider the track record of the candidates in accomplishing those things they have previously committed to do. 

(3) I give my best shot in determining what kind of leader they might be as they deal with issues both domestic and international. 

(4) And I pray. I pray God guides me as I vote. I pray that God will protect our nation and guide our leaders. I pray that whatever happens, the church would not choose to follow the standards or tactics of the world but would instead be ambassadors for Jesus, faithful witnesses for the gospel, and a reflection of genuine love.

One final word … 

My hope is not now nor will it ever be in a political party, candidate for office, elected official, government program, or economic system. No matter how good any of those may or may not be, my hope is fixed on Jesus Christ, His completed work on the cross for me, and His promise of victory for those who trust in Him. People all over the world live under oppressive systems of government, face unreal inequality and abuse, and endure unimaginable poverty; even so, they remain faithful to Jesus for they know they belong to another Kingdom, an eternal Kingdom. In the heat of a Presidential race, let us never forget that we are citizens of another Kingdom and that no matter who sits in the oval office we serve another King!