I don’t need to tell you that we live in a deeply divided society. I’m not just referring to the United States but also to Poland, where I live. I suspect it’s similar in many other countries. While scrolling through Facebook, I sometimes come across comments like, “How can a Christian vote for…?” in reference to politicians from all parties. What disturbs me isn’t that Christians disagree, but rather the level of vitriol and—yes, even hate—that is often expressed in these words. That’s why I believe now is a good time to step back, take a deep breath, and remember a few fundamental truths.
There is no Christian political party. While there may be Christian politicians, no party embodies Christian values. Even if some aspects of their platforms are based on biblical ethics, other parts contradict the teachings of the Bible. Political parties reflect our society, which is deeply flawed, and none of them speaks for God.
All Christians must compromise when voting. Because of the above point, all Christians end up voting for a party that contradicts their values in some way. We may call it “voting for the lesser evil” or “choosing the greater good,” but regardless, voting involves compromise. The only other option would be not voting at all, but is that the best solution? If we live in a democracy, I believe we should take our civic responsibilities seriously.
In choosing whom to vote for, Christians emphasize the biblical values that matter most to them. We must grant each other the freedom and grace to choose for ourselves the values that guide our voting. Last I checked, God didn’t give us the authority to judge and condemn each other—that’s his domain when we stand before him to give an account for our actions. Because we’re all unique individuals, Christians will end up compromising in different areas—but let’s not judge each other’s spirituality based on those choices.
Only Christ is king and will solve the world’s problems. Finally, let’s remember never to place our hope in people. Even the best person is fallible, sinful, and will ultimately let us down. When we vote, let’s avoid putting politicians on a pedestal they don’t deserve. They are not the solution to the world’s problems—that would be Jesus. Okay, I realize Jesus said he’s coming “soon,” meanwhile, two thousand years have passed, so his sense of time differs from ours. Nonetheless, when he comes, he will reign as king, restoring the earth to what it should have been.
Conclusion. When it comes to our relationships with others, God has made his will crystal clear—we must love one another. He didn’t add the caveat that his command only applies to those who vote for the same party we do. We can disagree and be frank about our differences, but we must always do so in love. Unfortunately, love seems to be in short supply recently, and Satan is rejoicing.
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Greetings,
I enjoyed your blog. Thank you for posting this. You said so many things that I have been thinking and voicing when I have the chance. I especially believe that no politician is going to fix everything and people who think they are will be disappointed. Only Jesus when he returns will be able to make our world the way God intended it to be before sin spoiled it.
Amen!
Carol, thank you for this. Very well said, and you summed it up in Christ’s words to us in John 13:34: “My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you.” I still have a lot to learn about God’s love and about His forgiveness. Thank you for the timely reminder. “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
I instantly shared this on my FB page!! Very well said!! A woman at a Baptist church close to where I live said-“If Karmala Harris walked in here and I had a gun-I would shoot her!” I shuddered when I heard that!!
Oh no! I would shudder, too!
Jesus said-“You will know them by their fruit!” (Matt. 7:16)