The Christian and the Current Election

Yesterday in church I preached about something I never preach about – politics and the upcoming election.  Since I’m retiring in 2 months I can’t be fired for preaching about this!  The reason I chose this subject is that this coming election is posing quite a challenge to evangelical Christian voters.  I hear a lot of talk about “the lesser of two evils.”  I feel it’s important for pastors to give their people some guidance at this difficult time, so here’s a short summary of what I said.

As Christians we are responsible to support our government in all ways (Titus 3:1) and that includes voting.  Even though unfairly imprisoned for preaching the gospel, while in chains Paul wrote about the importance of supporting the government (Romans 13:1-7). Our one vote might not seem to matter in the big picture of an election, but we are responsible and accountable for our use of our vote.  Size isn’t the issue, stewardship of it is, like with the widow who gave just 2 mites (Mark 12:41-42).   If we don’t vote we give others the right to choose for us.  Then we are responsible before God for their choice, for we gave up our right to choose!  Even when we do vote we are responsible for our country as it stands before God (Nehemiah 1:4-11; Daniel 9:4-5).  If we don’t exercise the power we do have then we are all the more accountable.  So not voting is not an option.

But how does God expect us to vote when all we have to choose between is the lesser of two evils?  If we vote that way, we are still endorsing evil!  Of course, unless Jesus Himself runs for office, every person running will have a sin nature (Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9).  So every election, in effect, is for the lesser of two evils.  So clearly we can’t make our chose on whom is less evil.

What God does hold us responsible for is the moral and spiritual tone of our nation (Romans 14:34).  That is the central issue for Christians.  While the economy, military power, medical insurance, employment, etc, are important, it is the moral issues that face us that are the most important.  God created human life in His image and the sanctity of life is of key importance to Him, much more than our economy!

God is concerned about the life of the unborn, and the USA is guilty of 60 million abortions since 1973!  God is concerned about those who are born as well.  All races are equal in His sight and are to be treated in that way.  Race of background nationality do not matter.  God is supremely interested in how we handle the 30 million illegal immigrants in our country.  He is concerned about mankind worldwide as well.  There are 100,000 to 150,000 Christians martyred throughout the world each year.  The USA is the most powerful, influential nation in the world and must do all it can to protect these and others who are unfairly treated.  He is very interested in how we treat the Jews and the nation Israel as well.  If we support Israel as much as we can or fail to do so can make all the difference in if our country continues or fails (Genesis 12:3).

These must be the issues we as Christians consider first in our upcoming election.  If we are still uncomfortable with the names on the ballot, we have the choice to write in a name of our choosing.  They may not win, although Abraham Lincoln won as a third party candidate.  By doing so we will be fulfilling our responsibility to God for doing our part, and that is all He expects of us.

We are not responsible for how others vote, just ourselves.  God is in sovereign control of the USA (John 19:11; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Acts 17:26; Daniel 2:21; 4:17,25).  He does what He pleases (Psalm 115:3; Daniel 4:35; Romans 9:21; Lamentations 3:37-38).  Whatever happens in the upcoming election, God will use it for His good and His glory (Genesis 50:20), and if its for His good then it is for our good as well (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11).  So don’t fear the future, don’t be apathetic, but do vote with God’s approval as your standard.  (April 25, 2016  Doylestown, PA)

Romans 13:1-7  Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Psalm 115:3  Our God is in heaven;  He does whatever pleases Him.

What is your attitude towards our country and the upcoming election?  Is it pleasing to God?  Are you being a good steward of the privilege and responsibility He has given you for the future of this country?

C t O Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
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