It’s the most wonderful time of the year: said no one ever. Like taxes and death, the unavoidable political season in America has arrived, bringing division, hatred, and malice alongside it. As unenjoyable as it may be though, we as Christ- followers in America mustn’t simply ignore the chaos or avoid being involved. Instead, like Paul, we must do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), which includes intentionally seeking the LORD, as we prayerfully support candidates, parties, and policies, while also preserving unity and administering justice to all peoples in our nation. At the surface, it sounds simple enough, right? You pick the one party or candidate that aligns with the Word of God the most and cast your vote there. It’s this overly simple approach to Christian stewardship of American democracy that leads to the popular myth: there’s only one Christian party/position.

“The Christian Candidate is _______________.”
“You cannot be a Christian, and vote ________________.” “__________________ is the Christian party.”
“You cannot be a Christian and support _____________.”

Ever heard these remarks before? If you’re like me, chances are you have. In fact, you probably haven’t just heard these statements, but may be someone who has subscribed to them in the past or presently. I, at one point in my life, held this same ideology, so I get it. I truly do. What if, though, it’s not so simple? What if followers of Christ can honor God together, while simultaneously having different

(maybe even polar opposite) political views? Over the next couple of posts, let us dive deeper into this difficult and complex issue, and navigate it together with grace and truth.

Let’s work through an illustration together. A person murders a loved one in your family. You’re heart broken and distraught, as is expected, and now must go to trial to meet this person and speak to whether they should be sentenced harshly or shown grace. As a Christ-follower though, you choose to do what is truly God- honoring, leaving personal hurt and vengeance aside. So, what do you do? Jesus speaks of unfathomable forgiveness, where one must forgive not just 7 times, but 70 times 7 (Matt. 18:22). Do you tell the judge to go easy on them, extending open arms of forgiveness and mercy, as Jesus has explicitly called us to do? Or, do you call for justice for the loved one you just lost, knowing that justice (depending on your state) will lead to their inevitable death? After all, according to the law, this is what is just for a murderer, and God delivers vengeance to the wicked (Deut. 32:5). Is there even a right or wrong choice? (More on this later.)

As you can see from the above illustration, God and His Word are beautifully simple, and yet, simultaneously seemingly paradoxical in our human understanding. God is fully love (1 John 4:8), and fully just (Deuteronomy 32:4). To be loving, means to show mercy, right? Yet, to be just means to give people what they truly deserve. Two apparently polar opposite characteristics fully and equally reside in the nature of God Our Creator. Perplexing, yes? Yet, we are

called to be like God, doing His will on earth as it is in Heaven (Matt. 6:10), being ambassadors of the Son (2 Corinthians 5:20), shining light into the darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6) and to administer justice to the weak and forgotten (Zechariah 7:9-10). This is the genuine call: to be like God.

Back to our illustration: what matters most in your decision? Is it the choice itself that matters more, or the heart behind it? Either option can lead to God’s glory, if that choice was made with the intention to do so. Desire to see God’s love on display by choosing forgiveness? That’s good and righteous. To seek justice on God’s behalf and not out of vengeance and hate? That, too, is good and righteous. Is it true, then, that followers of Christ can diligently seek God and His truth, and cast two different votes? Can worshippers of God, who are genuinely pursuing God and His wisdom, endorse two different politicians, and still be serving Him equally? Jesus time and time again, publicly rebuked the Pharisees not for their wrong decisions, but for their hardened hearts. May we not be so simple-minded, as to think we have God fully figured out. Believe it or not, God is neither Democrat or Republican; He is HOLY. Pursue holiness and righteousness, and allow the Holy Spirit to inform your daily living, and your ballot.

About the Author: 

Riley Young

Riley is a 30 year old youth pastor and husband, and new to his resume is "dad" to adorable new twin babies, Kiah and Olive! He, his lovely wife Mykaela, the twins, and their beloved dog, Lily, reside in  Smithville, Tennessee, and are also cherished long-time friends of Sarah and Liz! Riley is an active member in both his church ministries and community, leading with grace, truth, and a servant-hearted, fun attitude in all he does.