Christians, Let Your Vote be Mastered by Scriptural Convictions

I am always reluctant to enter into the sphere of politics in blogging or social media simply because it often fosters vitriolic replies from those claiming to be Christians. It amazes me how quickly many lose sight of James 3:10 and the surrounding context in normal debates over doctrine – but bring politics into the equation, and you’ll find even more neglect to guard the tongue. We could delve deeply into the need for professing believers to keep control over their tongues, yet that is not the intent of this piece. Rather, it seems more prudent to remind readers of their responsibility to uphold the ethics of scripture when considering their candidates.

This will naturally meet the stiff-necked who already oppose much of what is in scripture to begin with, arguing ceaselessly to justify the promulgated indoctrination of the unregenerate with the sexual ethic, the murdering of infants, marriage, and even such “low-key” issues as modesty. Know that this is especially for you to consider the implications of your vote, for it is far more reaching than simply who gains the high seat. Yet this is also for the undecided Christian who says on one hand that they uphold traditional orthodoxy with respect to major moral issues within the church, yet seemingly forgets these as they cast their ballot.

For the sake of the argument, we will assume the orthodox position on hot-button topics arising in the church today. Very clearly, this speaks to issues of homosexuality, abortive rights, sexual infidelity, with respect to the cultural acceptance of these things. Even more clearly, this speaks to doctrinal positions of the candidates one might endorse, i.e. – are they maintaining heretical views about the gospel (salvation and/or judgment), the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and so forth. You may disagree with these principles of interpretation of the scriptures, but let’s be candid: this is not due to the unclear and ambiguous nature of the text; it is due to the rejection thereof.

Being that these are major tenets of orthodox, historical Christianity, it seems rather odd that one professing to be Christian would deny them, yet more odd for those actually holding to such a position and then voting for the candidate who strongly opposes them. Simply put, it is drastically unwise for the Christian to support a candidate for his bravado, lack of censor, potential to turn the market to more favorable times, and so on. It is equally unwise for the Christian to support one who would fiscally bankrupt the country due to his socio-economic views, lest we forget history. Yet beyond these secondary matters, it is most unwise for the professing believer to cast a vote for any candidate that opposes major tenets of biblical Christianity.

Let’s say that you agree with Sanders economically (I don’t know why anyone would, but hey – let’s assume you do). If you’re a Christian, beyond a basic principle built from 2 Thess. 3:10, you should immediately catch a red flag based on the fact that he is pro-abortive rights and pro-homosexual union. Let’s say you agree with Trump (again, not sure why). He is a blatant liar, xenophobe, and again, pro-abortion, lest he restrict autonomy. We could go on, candidate by candidate, but the point is not for me to tell you who to vote for. It is to urge you to vote with a clean conscious before the Lord, according to His righteous standard laid out plainly from the text of scripture.

Stop being painfully naïve to a politician’s agenda – yet moreso, stop being willfully complacent with their evil deeds. You have a responsibility, as a Christian, if you choose to vote. It is never to “vote for the lessor of two evils” in the end, but to vote for the man who best represents the values of scripture. The men (and now women) who will be chosen to represent the corresponding parties will only get there in the end because of their support. What this means, specifically in the case for Christians, is that early on we ought to support men with biblical convictions so they might have a fighting chance in the primaries and caucuses. You can affect the caucus by being more active in your state and city elections…

Yet in the end, people will inevitably continue to vote on the basis of their heart’s desires. If your true desire is Christ, then you will vote accordingly. If your desire is driven by economics, you will undoubtedly vote by that guiding principle. The point is not to condemn a concern for these secondary matters, but to truly align secondary matters within the position they belong. Christians ought to vote on the basis of primary matters; thus, the question must be asked: what are the primary matters when considering whom you shall cast your vote for? If it is not guided by orthodox convictions formed from the scriptures, pause. Consider there may be more lacking within you than what your candidate promises.