Another election is drawing near. Inevitably, the issue of the “separation of church and state” is being hotly debated once again. However, more and more it turns up as a discussion of the “separation of faith and policy” in regards to political candidates. It seems that any candidate who espouses spiritual convictions is eyed with suspicion that their beliefs may affect the way they would carry out their duties if elected. The sentiment seems to be, “If you are elected, leave your religious convictions at home.”
However, by the very act of becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, the Christian commits to living out his or her convictions. These convictions include the belief that the best way to live is by living as God would have us to live. Therefore, the believer in Jesus Christ must live, and vote, the way he or she believes God directs them.
Most political figures, sooner or later, will find themselves involved in the decision-making process of a moral nature. What should guide the Christian politician in his or her stance on these issues? Every Christian should seek God’s will on the issues he or she faces, especially the Christian politician who is in a position where his/her decisions affect so many others.
There are many issues of a moral nature facing Americans today. Discussions about what should be considered “marriage” continue to be debated. The issues of homosexuality, abortion, legalizing drugs, etc. are issues about which God is deeply concerned. Christians should not allow the idea that “all ideas are created equal” to keep us from voting how we believe Jesus would have us vote. Be reminded of the words of God to Solomon: “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
It is the Christian’s responsibility to represent Jesus Christ on earth. If we do not stand up for what is good and right, who will? Who better defines what is good and right than God?
The question to politicians who do not rely on God to guide their judgments is this: “What influences your moral decisions?” Is it popular opinion, which changes with each new generation? Is it Hollywood? Is it the group or individual who makes the largest donation to your campaign? All these are houses built on a foundation of sand and they will inevitably crumble.
There is a universal moral standard that everyone is called to live by. This standard was set forth by God, who created us and sustains each of us every minute of every day (Colossians 1:15-17). Too many people, in their zeal to be “politically correct” and “tolerant” have set aside God’s standard and decided to create one of their own.
The problem with this approach is that each human-designed moral standard is different…and ever changing. Whose is right? Who gets to decide? What if we cannot agree on which moral code is the one for us? Should we vote on it?
This article is written to encourage all Christians of every profession to stand firm in their spiritual beliefs. God’s standard does not change simply because some people refuse to acknowledge it. The Bible tells us that we should not be conformed to the world’s ideas, but that we should be transformed into the kind of people God wants us to be: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)
When Christians vote, we should vote the way we believe God would have us vote. We should pray about the issues and ask Him for His guidance and wisdom. We should not be swayed by the secular rhetoric of those who seek to keep any representation of God out of public view.
How different would our nation look if every Bible believing Christian voted in this manner?