As Election Day approaches, I am being asked this question from a growing number of people. What do you think? McCain? Obama? Who should a Christian vote for? Now, I know in just listing this question on the blog, there is the potential for a flurry of comments for or against candidates and issues. Can I ask for you to guard your words in leaving comments? Please don't use the comment section as a plea for one or another of the candidates. (Read on to see why)
First, my hope for the future of the USA does not rest in this election. I believe in voting. I also believe that good leadership is critical to any nation, church, family, or business. But I believe that God is big enough to work in and through whatever happens on Nov 4th and beyond.
Second, my primary concern is with the Kingdom of God and not with the United States of America. I know that sounds almost offensive to some people. But the USA is not the center piece of the vision that God has for the world. His primary concern is with souls coming to know Jesus. Often it seems that Christians in the USA think that God's main concern in the world is with our own nation. The world is so much bigger than that. He is just as concerned with Rwanda or Nicaragua as He is with the USA. Mostly He is concerned with the lost, the hurting, the poor, the innocent, the vulnerable.
Third, I believe that a believer should consider moral values, character, and vision when they make their decision to vote. I think that every voter should get educated about the candidates that are running, not just for president, but for local offices as well. Some of the values that I will be thinking through will have to do with the unborn, the definition of marriage and the family, with helping the poor, the end of racial injustice, and with standing up for human rights in parts of the world where people are at risk (just to mention a few).
Fourth, my responsibility is to pray for and even bless governmental leaders, even when I disagree with their policies. Whoever is elected as President, I will bless. I am not going to speak evil, spread false rumors, or run down my leaders. Some people's Christianity will be tested on the Wednesday after the election as to whether they will act in love, faith, and blessing toward the person who has been elected.
Fifth, I think at times we can over-estimate the election season. As I look back on the past 16 years, we have had 8 years of Bush, and 8 years of Clinton. Neither one proved to be the messiah and neither one was the devil. Both have been imperfect people who accomplished some good and some not so good. The next President will be the same. And regardless of who is elected, we need to remember that we can still influence policy and decision making by staying engaged in the process.
Sixth, my passion is to represent Jesus well in the world. Partisan attitudes often divide. When we speak harshly or unfairly of one candidate or another, we affect things as much by our negative fear based attitude, as we do by our words. One reason why younger people in our nation are closed the to the church is due to the perceived anger and self-righteousness of people identified as Christians. I believe we should stand for what we believe in, but with humility, kindness, patience, and grace.
Seventh, I want to protect the unity of the church (not just APC but believers all throughout this nation). I personally know many believers who are passionate for Obama. I know many who are just as passionate for McCain/Palin. I like to imagine what it is like to worship in Rwanda where Hutu's and Tutsi's worship in the same church. Remember that 800,000 or more died in genocide a few years ago in Rwanda, but somehow these of different parties have learned to forgive and live in love. In the church where my father-in-law pastors, there are Contras and Sandinistas who worship together. These two groups had been in civil war for years. Surely, Republicans and Democrats can worship together and yet disagree on who to vote for?
Finally, I like to consider what Jesus did regarding politics when he walked the earth. The Governmental Leaders in his day were corrupt, evil, and murderous. King Herod slaughtered 2 year old boys. A few years later in Rome, Nero burned the city and blamed Christians. Some Roman Emperors fed believers to lions in the Coliseum. Wow.
Do you know what happened? The Kingdom of God advanced! In fact, in harsh governmental environments, the Kingdom of God often flourishes most. In the past 80 years, China has been under some severe rulers. But the Kingdom has exploded in that nation in spite of the fact that it is against the law to openly preach Christ. Jesus never hung his hopes on a change in political leadership. He worked for a greater Kingdom reality in the hearts of men and women.
I think it is safe to say that neither Obama nor McCain is the hope of the world. That is Jesus. It is also safe to say that neither candidate will be as much a threat as Nero, Herod, or Mao. If the Kingdom can expand under their leadership, I am confident God can continue to work no matter who is elected in 2008.
So I will be voting. I will vote based on character, values, and vision. I will pray for the election. And when I wake up on Wednesday, I will commit to pray for whoever is elected. I will not give into a spirit of fear but I will continue to walk in faith. And more than anything I will seek first the Kingdom of God.
