With a presidential election looming, and the confirmation hearings of a Supreme Court justice just days away, much of the news is focused upon the political world.
Our church has made it a policy not to endorse candidates or political parties, and it is gratifying that people from all all over the political spectrum worship with us.
We have tried very hard over the years not to equate our nation with the Kingdom of God, and to strike a balance between blind nationalistic allegiance and rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s. We are citizens of two kingdoms, and we are told to pray for our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation (Romans 13; 1 Timothy 2).
But when I hear of professing Christians supporting someone because “he’s nice,” or against someone because “he’s mean,” it makes me wonder if we are vetting candidates based upon anything other than media hype, missing the point of voting in a republic at all. The recent presidential debate contained moments when neither candidate appeared particularly “presidential,” confusing things even more.
John Adams, our nation’s second president and first vice-president, said famously that “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” George Washington was even bolder, writing, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor. . .”
These men were not evangelical Christians, and did not believe in Jesus as you and I do. Still, they grasped that the the survival of a republic depends upon voters being able to make decisions based upon moral principles rather than fanatic rhetoric, raw power, or imaginary “rights.” And they certainly would be confused at the criticism of a Supreme Court candidate for being “religious.”
The Founders would be shocked to hear that vandalism and looting are being defended, and appalled at any candidate who does not seem to grasp that a nation without secure borders can not for long continue as a nation.
Much of the open rhetoric is, quite frankly, not looking to make a good thing better, but to “burn it down.” We are told that we are a “white supremacist” nation, evil to the core, and beyond reformation, regardless of all the history to the contrary, such as fighting a civil war to end slavery and electing a black president.
Voting matters, and when voters merely disdain one candidate while ignoring the corruption of another, or put personality in front of policy, we are in danger of losing the republic the Founders fought so hard to give us.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–
for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved,
and come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4