It seems the political process, especially for president, starts earlier and earlier. We are inundated with television adds, emails, social media, and more encouraging us to support a candidate and position. So many times it is at the cost of another person running. And it is not just president, it is with all aspects of our elected officials. So, how do we plow through this process? How does a disciple/follower who has a right and civic duty to participate in the process do so with theological integrity? Is there a best candidate or position? Complex questions in a complex environment.
So, here a few thoughts we would encourage you to consider:
1) It starts with prayer. And this is not relinquishing power or throwing up our hands in frustration or being paralyzed to thinking this is all we can do. But if this is all you do, it is still the most important and foundational step. Inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s heart and righteousness, and asking Jesus for guidance and wisdom, put us in a context of listening and seeking God’s kingdom realizing man’s will not hold up. We trust God and seek God first.
2) Understand your theology and how it influences the major issues and concerns we face. View issues globally, nationally, and locally. Understand the totality and heart of the Scriptures and the character of God. Trying to pick one or two Scripture verses to build your case for certain issues will most likely not be sufficient. So many times we can form our political stance and then try to find a few Scriptures to reinforce or support it. This is an extremely dangerous way to make decisions and puts our theology subservient to politics. Rather, filter your politics through the Scriptures. What you will probably find is that on some issues you may favor the approach of the democratic party, on others the republican, and still on others the libertarian viewpoint or some other party.  That is why having three government branches keeps these issues in check. I have not found any one party or candidate that completely embraces how I feel on all of these issues.  After doing research and trying to live the Scriptures and a Kingdom mindset, God and theology transcend political parties and persuasions and there is no neat box. Several tensions exist.
3) Get to know the candidates. Each one typically has a website that lists how s/he stands on the issues and why. I encourage people to go to the source. Many have books and take time to flesh out their thoughts and beliefs. Take time to watch the debates if you can. What you want to be careful of is the hype on the television commercials and pundit news sources that may spin information a particular way. Be discerning and seek the truth!
4) Decide the qualities you value in a candidate that matches your thoughts, again based upon your theological reflection, on the most important issues. Again, you most likely will not find a totality on issues and a candidate so look at these three areas. 1) Character and integrity-the is by far the most important quality of any leader. If that person does not have this you may need to review whether or not s/he is the best candidate. 2) Has a history of achieving and doing. You want a person that literally works hard and can get things done. 3) Can work in a team and displays good chemistry. Because people will have to agree to disagree sometimes, you need a person that can work with others to solve problems-and our most complex ones at that. It is important that at least these three characteristics are present.
5) Finally, pray! Once more, we want God’s anointing on that person and our best decision. And, if your person does not make it, we must pray for the person who does. Demonizing or being so against someone that we cannot support them, entrust them into God’s hands, or gently share our concerns will ultimately do more harm than good.
This is not an easy process. There are several candidates, several layers of elections, and this all takes time and spiritual discernment. I believe that is the point. Even as I write this, I realize I don’t do all of this completely so in effect am challenging my own process. Our system of government is based upon well informed people making informed decisions. Voting on party lines, straight tickets, etc actually may serve to jeopardize our process more than help it. And finally, our allegiance is to God. Politics are not going to “save” us and we should be careful and diligent not to idolize it. Seeking the Kingdom first and living wholeheartedly is our mandate. And yet, we cannot disengage for we also have a responsibility to ensure the fair administration of righteousness and justice to all of God’s people.
May God be with you all during the next several months!
Lisa
Comments are closed