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.
sounds good
Posted by: A Credible Source | October 23, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Excellent post Jeff!
Thank you so much for your wise leadership. Everything starts and ends with the Kingdom -- maybe that is why we are told to seek it first? So easy to get things out of context, thanks for helping us see the big picture!
Paul
Posted by: Paul Stewart | October 23, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Well said, I take joy in the fact that you are a wise man.
Posted by: Ben Davis | October 23, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Good stuff! Great thoughts and points!
Posted by: Jack Thomas | October 23, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Some quotes from George Washington's Farewell Address.
GW warns against the party system.
"It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public administration....agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one....against another....it opens the door to foreign influence and corruption...thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another."
GW stresses the importance of religion and morality.
"Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice?"
GW on stable public credit.
"...cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible...avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt....it is essential that you...bear in mind, that towards the payments of debts there must be Revenue, that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised, which are not...inconvenient and unpleasant..."
The entire address is here:
http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/farewell/text.html
Posted by: Rick Balbo | October 23, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Great post. I especially connect with the 5th point you made. I'm so tired of hearing from both sides that this is the most important election in modern history. Maybe to them, but probably not to us. God is still in charge around here.
Posted by: Jason Fitch | October 23, 2008 at 04:49 PM
I agree Pastor Jeff. I tell everyone that ask me, that I look at righteousness first, and that God has the hearts of Kings in his hands.
God is my provider and my Lord, so God bless either one that has to run this nation. I know who I am voting for, and that is what is important, that I vote. I too, will continue to pray for our leaders, no matter who or what party it is.
Posted by: Donna Milliron | October 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
This post is so beautiful. It cuts through all the nonsense and gets straight to the bottom line - straight to what's really important.
I know who I'm voting for, but I'm going to join you in praying for the election and for our next President and the leaders of this nation no matter who it may be.
My life is in God's hands. And I didn't even have to campaign to get that gift! Thanks Pastor Jeff.
Posted by: Cindy K | October 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Pastor Jeff you are the bestest. Every time I hear you talk, I know why I am a proud member of APC. Thanks for the insightful and unbias commentary on the election process. It is much appreciated.
Posted by: Alaine | October 26, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Hey Jeff,
Great post. I agree wholeheartedly with you assessment. Expressed very well!
Posted by: Butch Wise | October 27, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Well said!
Posted by: Brian O'Keefe | October 28, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Racism in this country needs to end. Jesus was not a racist as well aswe should not be.
Both parties have faults both have pluses.We need to rid this godly n ation of racial. No one race is more just or qualified. We are all men of differents nations. We can be used used of God no matter what the color of our skin. Unity is key.
Posted by: kathy | October 29, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Thanks, Jeff, for your reasoned response to the questions many are asking. I will pass this on.
Posted by: Bill Ellis | October 29, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Fantastic post, Jeff. I will be sharing this with my firstIMPRESSIONS readers this week. Thank you for your time and thoughts - more fair and balanced than FOX News! :)
Posted by: Tim Satryan | October 29, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Why is everyone scared to say who they are voting for? Shouldn't we be proud? I think that is more important than our emotions in this election. I will be voting for McCain on Nov 4th.
Posted by: becky | October 30, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Great post Pastor Jeff.
I will be praying for the election as well and I will be following your lead and praying for our next president no matter who it is.
Thank you for your mentorship.
Posted by: Steve | October 30, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Obama does support the unrestricted murder of babies and supports doctors not treating living human babies that were in the process of being murdered but somehow survived. So I think he is as bad as some of the leaders you mentioned. Are we more offended by this truth than we are if we try to hide this fact?
Posted by: Mike from Riveside Community Church | October 30, 2008 at 01:57 PM
way to go! we have such a tendency as evangelicals to only concern ourselves with 2 maybe 3 pet moral/biblical issues such as abortion and same sex relationships but as you mentioned there are far more to be concerned with.. greed and economics, care for the poor and marginalized, education, health care, foreign policy and wars, injustice and corruption, our environment, fair trade, civil rights, elderly, and on and on and on.. I know i want to see a candidate address what Rick Warren calls the five biggest problems of this generation: spiritual emptiness, corruption and injustice, poverty, health care and poor education for the next generation.
Posted by: Dave Longstreth | October 30, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Jeff - Your comments are right on. I will be sharing this sites with friends & co-workers, Christians and non-Christians. What a great opportunity to witness for Jesus this election season. :)
Posted by: Paula Nixon | October 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Way to avoid the question buddy
Posted by: Bob | October 30, 2008 at 04:49 PM
well- I'm not sure you answered the question of who to vote for! I believe we have to stand up for moral values, for the rightouseness the bible talks about, for life, for character to stand when it is not politically correct! God has raised up to people of character! They may not be perfect people but we have to look away from some of there flaws. We need to look at what they have done for their states and for the USA. One candidate has nothing to stand on but lies. He reminds me of how I picture the anti- christ to rise up- a beautiful smile, little to say, lies everytime he speaks- that sound truthful. I believe God has raised up a women "Sarah Palen" for such a time as this- she has character, she is not afraid of the political agenda, she is strong and coragouse! She has dome a lot for her state. McCain- he has character! If this country falls into war again or has to come up against the evil rising in the middle east- he will be able to think for the American people and do what will be right. He will stand with Israel- God said if we do not fight for Israel we are unworthy and He will not protect us anymore. These things to think about when you vote! Vote for the truth of God's word and people who will uphold these values to the best of their ability!
Posted by: Sheree | October 30, 2008 at 07:47 PM
The wisdom God has given you amazes me.
Posted by: Jennifer Somers | October 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Very wise!!
Posted by: Jennifer Somers | October 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I vote for my boss Jesus Christ and my godly father for president. Abba Father!!
Your post was very wise. Very well spoke.
I will respect who ever God lets be in charge.Although I would like to see racism end in this God fearing country.I just hope who ever wins makes it a better future for all our children no matter how poor or rich, black or white, or asian,Only that God is first in their lives. I loved your post right on.
Posted by: kathy Desalvo mom of 7 beautifully crafted and colored children. | October 31, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Sombeody wrote Christians have "pet moral issues abortion and same sex marriage". That was condesending. Christians need to look beyond 4 years. The policies that are put in place by the next president will effect our grandchildren.
Posted by: John | October 31, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Don't get too comfy! We need to vote for the one that will take a stand for traditional Christian values.
Posted by: Angelica | October 31, 2008 at 06:14 AM
Thank you Pastor Jeff You are such a blessing blessed be
Posted by: celeste bianco | October 31, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Obama refuses to put his hand on the bible if/when he is innagurated. That says it all for me.
Posted by: Rebekah | October 31, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Well said!
Posted by: Chad Zollo | October 31, 2008 at 01:52 PM
It is sad when a Christian calls abortion a "pet biblical issue". It is very condescending to imply that this is the only issue a christian thinks about. Having said that I would like one just one christian to justify voting for someone who can appoint up to 3 supreme court justices that share the same view that a babies life is not worth saving after it has been born.
Posted by: Mike | November 01, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Hi Pastor Jeff, I still don't know who to vote for. Last election our church had a Bush rep there and I refused his littiture. So I believed that our church was for Bush. I wasn't. I don't like our choices this time. So I have asked God also to pick the best. Hopefully before the election he lets me know. Love you and Bless you. Your'e te best.
Posted by: pam | November 01, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Great post, Jeff. It's going up on my blogsite as well.
Posted by: Paul Grabill | November 03, 2008 at 01:23 PM
i apologize for using the term "pet moral issues". i didnt think it or mean it to offend. i believe a decent number of Christians have been engaged in the process, have thought about ALL of the Christian issues and will vote accordingly.
However, there are some that will jump on a bandwagon with just a few issues that I hear every four years - the only issues that I hear every four years talked about at any length.
I know and have heard from the lips of a good number of Christians who will cast their vote based on only the issue of abortion. It doesn't matter to them any other issues - it only matters about the abortion issue. again, i don't find fault if they've considered all other issues and prioritize this as the most important issue.
It is a very important issue - in fact this issue keeps me on the fence along with putting activist judges in the courts. These two issues alone has me completely undecided. I am pro-life and completely pro-life. I am pro-life so much that i don't think the woman has any choice no matter what her circumstance (health, rape, etc). If you take the life of an unborn child for whatever reason it is still murder of a defenseless child.
I also believe that we should make it our policy that if we must go to war that we do not take innocent lives in the process. not that this will happen or can happen - but we make it our policy and have strict consequences when it fails. So i am about as pro-life as you can get.
But I can't just make abortion the only issue in an election - which only some Christians are doing (certainly not all or maybe not even the majority). It has heavy weight to it and that issue keeps me on the fence even when i agree with the other side on almost every other issue - the weight of this one keeps me undecided.
No matter what - i will not be gloating on Wednesday at the winner and i won't be whining or complaining either. I will be nervous for whoever we have in office and committed to praying for our leadership.
And i will give either party some time before i begin to criticize so that their actions can be measured. It's sad that for most of the elections that I've voted in I've been heard saying "Is this the best that we have to offer?"
Posted by: Dave Longstreth | November 03, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Three things:
1: To all those who said something negative about Obama, re-read this blog post. I think you missed the point. Not saying that none of his views are negative, but still, I think you missed the point.
2: To the same people, look stuff up on snopes.com to verify facts before you post something on here and make yourself look like a dufus...
3: Lastly, great post Pastor Jeff. I agree with 99% of what you said. It was very well articulated and I think spoke from the heart of God....thanks!
Posted by: Ryan Grabill | November 04, 2008 at 07:45 AM
The elections are all over, Barack Obama is going to be our news president.
I read all thpostings with interest. Here is my friend Jeff Leake trying to lift everybody to a Higher level, pointing to Jesus and to the Great Commission. Then I also see Christians here, permanently twisted in their minds, unable to let go of their rants for McCain-Palin and against Obama. People like normally never have a passion for souls, and their view of Christianity is through the lens of Politics.
Well, get off your wooden horse and suck it up. Humble yourself. McCain-Palin could not save America, and neither can Obama. Start looking at Jesus instead and pray for this nation. Politics and religion are a terrible combination and many Christians show their worst side at election time. Thank God it is over!
Posted by: Christopher Alam | November 18, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Hello P. Jeff,
I am so proud of you for sharing your heart about the recent elections and regret only for having read your thoughts only today. But it doesn't matter because I firmly believe that this is a discussion that should perhaps take place once in a while among us Christians. We must constantly be reminded that while there are responsibilities that we are required to uphold while yet on this earth, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom alone! We walk through the valley of the shadow of death, a world that is passing away (1John2:17) and we are reaching out to a better City beyond the Jordan. We must be sober. We must learn to discern well, what is the will of God and recognize that the first priority is His Kingdom and the salvation that He offers to lost men. Let us be about our father's business and learn to walk through this world but not be tied to it!
Thumbs up pastor! God bless you so much!
L.
Posted by: Lucien | November 19, 2008 at 01:39 PM
who are you to bless?
God complex, anyone?
Posted by: Rebekah | November 26, 2008 at 01:43 AM
I can understand why someone that hears the word 'bless' might see it as a God complex. But actually the word 'bless' means 'to speak well of someone or something.'
That is the definition that I was going for. To speak well of my leaders. The alternative is to 'curse' or to speak evil or negatively about someone.
Jesus commands us to bless even those who curse us.
I choose to use my lips like that. This is the constant challenge.
Posted by: Allison Park Church | November 26, 2008 at 02:25 AM