"Inspired" Voting

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6

I wonder what Jesus’ "political" platform would be? How would Jesus campaign? Would He be a Republican or a Democrat, or would He stay Independent? Maybe He would start His own “Inspired” party!

As we consider which candidate we will cast our ballot for next Tuesday, we listen to their words, we watch their actions, and we examine their pasts. Jesus’ words were always clear,

“I have come to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, give light to those who are in darkness, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim God’s favor upon His children." (Luke 4:18-19)

"Those who follow me must deny their own desires and take up their cross” (Mark 8:34)

“If you want to follow me you must sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21)

“Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, remember the forgotten and take care of the stranger, visit the prisoners” (See Matthew 25: 34-46)

His actions were always consistent with His words, and His past record was eternally evident! Jesus’ “platform” is still the foundation of His Kingdom come. As His followers, as members of His Party, we are responsible for its continuation. As we consider our vote for next Tuesday, let’s consider the Kingdom agenda and vote accordingly.

Hope-filled Voting

Election day is a week away. Polls, pundits, and predictions abound everywhere. Who do we vote for? Who can we trust? We listen to the speeches, the promises, the “politicking,” and wonder. As I talk to friends, relatives, even strangers in line behind me in the check out lane, it strikes me that who we favor has much to do with what we fear. 

• We fear enemy attack and favor strong military candidates.
  
• We fear economy plunge and favor strong economic package candidates.
  
• We fear women and favor men.
  
• We fear men and favor a woman.
  
• And on and on and on…

But where is our hope? God tells us in Isaiah 49:23 that “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” David, the great King of Israel wrote, 

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

ONLY God can be our true Protector and Provider. As we consider casting our vote next Tuesday, let’s NOT be driven by fear, but by hope and prayer, and vote for the candidate whom we believe best represents God's purposes for our time.

Conscientious Voting

The Bible tells us that all mankind have been given the ability to discern right from wrong -- a conscience [See Romans 2:15]. Yet, it seems that our culture, and perhaps the basic nature of man, is to pursue not that inner voice of conscientiousness, but those things that suit our own sense of "mine." We want "our" way, "our" things, "our" rights... often at the expense of the "general good." Scripture is filled with references of what happens to a society where everyone defines their own "right and wrong." [i.e. Judges 17:6, Jeremiah 11:8; 44:15-16] Eventually there is no moral standard, no commitment to the welfare and care of others, and the foundation of their society decays and crumbles. Ecclesiastics 11:9 reminds us that there will be an accounting for each one's actions and choices. 

Zechariah 7:9-10 tells us, This is what the Lord of Heaven desires; "Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other." 

And the apostle Paul instructs us to not just consider our own interests but to remember to consider the welfare of others (Philippians 2:4).

We have a precious privilege and responsibility as Americans. We can be heard. We can make a difference. Our voice is important. We have the ability to shape the context of our culture. Before we consider what laws and lawmakers we will choose on November 4, lets spend a few moments consider the Will and Purposes of The Law-Giver. Before we cast our vote this year, lets make an effort as followers of Christ, to prayerfully consider if our vote is reflecting the One we serve.

Compassionate Voting

Henri Nouwen wrote:

The Church often wounds us deeply. People with religious authority often wound us by their words, attitudes, and demands. Precisely because our religion brings us in touch with the questions of life and death, our religious sensibilities can get hurt most easily. Ministers and priests seldom fully realize how a critical remark, a gesture of rejection, or an act of impatience can be remembered for life by those to whom it is directed.



There is such an enormous hunger for meaning in life, for comfort and consolation, for forgiveness and reconciliation, for restoration and healing, that anyone who has any authority in the Church should constantly be reminded that the best word to characterize religious authority is compassion. Let's keep looking at Jesus whose authority was expressed in compassion.


As we prepare for the coming election, let us remember that as beloved children of God, we need to strive to walk (and vote) in love; and to not allow any bitterness, divisiveness, or evil intentions to creep into our hearts, our minds, our words, and our actions. [See Ephesians 5:1ff]. We have the opportunity to stand for our beliefs, to influence the direction of our country, and to impact future generations by our choices. But as we do so, let's also remember that we are called to reflect and represent the love of God; and even as we make our stand, we do so in love, gentleness, and always with a heart of reconciliation -- bringing peace to our neighbors by showing and offering them the Peace of God with us... Immanuel.