Have you heard there’s an election coming up? Of course you have! The ads, headlines, and unsolicited commentary on social media from your friends who are suddenly political experts have all made it clear who you need to vote for. In fact, the extremes have no problem saying things like “from a faith perspective” or “from a biblical perspective”; you cannot vote for FILL IN CANDIDATE’S NAME HERE. Both sides do it to each other and highlight the most unbiblical aspects of their opponents.
Meanwhile, I’d like to believe there’s a larger group than I know who are reasonable and caught in the middle, simply trying to process how best to vote and not letting fear and hatred take root.
Over the last few months, Holy Post Media has released a voting guide to help us stay focused on the right things as the election draws near. They challenge us, regardless of side, to compare our “side” with what Scripture says. Neither side lines up completely with Scripture, and it’s important to identify where they differ and to speak up about those areas just as much as we criticize the “other side.”
Yes, voting is a wonderful way to love your neighbor and those who live across America and the world. But it’s far from the only way to love your neighbor. Respecting the person next to you, looking them in the eye, giving grace and compassion, and helping where you can all have a far deeper and greater impact on your neighbor both now and in the long term than any vote you cast. Despite what any politician may believe, our country will not cease to exist if we, the people, elect the “wrong” person.
We must remember we belong to a kingdom far greater than any kingdom of this world. We answer to a King who holds all power and authority. We must deeply love those who vote differently, not just in words, but authentically.
The voters’ guide does a great job of keeping us focused as believers on our primary responsibility: living as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are to seek the good of the place we live while realizing our King is Jesus and our Kingdom is not of this world. This means we can live without fear of the “other” side winning. It means that regardless of who “wins,” we can sleep well and trust that the one who holds the universe in His hands has never changed, who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8), and that there is no variation or shadow (James 1:17).
As a follower of Jesus, please commit this season to diving into Scripture more than political news. This voters’ guide can help!
Click here to check out the voters’ guide from Holy Post Media!