My faith is at the center of my life; I don’t make a move without consulting the Big Guy, and when I do try to go at it without Him it typically doesn’t work out too well for me. So it’s only natural that I consult the Good Book for guidance when election time rolls around.
However, instead of focusing on who believes what on political issues, I prefer to focus on the person running for office. If there’s a good person running with good motives, the issues often work themselves out.
While the Bible does not specifically address modern political elections as we know them today, several passages provide principles on how believers should approach leadership, authority and civic responsibility. That starts with selecting Godly leaders.
u “But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain” (Exodus 18:21a, all verses NIV except as noted).
Honesty should not be an option for any candidate seeking elected office.
u “Choose for your tribes wise, understanding and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads” (Deuteronomy 1:13, ESV).
The wisest people know when they themselves need to seek expert advice.
u “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
There’s a lot of groaning today.
All of us are called to act justly, seek peace and pray for those in authority.
u “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8b).
u “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Naturally, we wouldn’t want to support someone who does things God despises. The worst of those sins are clearly outlined in Proverbs 6:16-19:
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Then there’s the lure of filthy lucre; no person seeking office should be allowed to enrich themselves at the public trough. “You cannot serve God and money,” according to Matthew 6:24, while 1 Timothy 6:10a reads, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
On the other side, what are the kinds of things God loves to see in His people? Galatians 5:22-23 puts it this way: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
And, in all things, we must remember what Jesus answered when he was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus replied:
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Paul emphasized that same love in 1 Corinthians 13:2: “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
I saw a meme last week that read, “If you need the threat of hell in order to be a good person, then you’re just a bad person on a leash.” What we need in elected office in Cherokee County, Raleigh, Washington and beyond are public servants who are good people even when no one is watching, the kind of people whose integrity and values are not up for discussion, the kind of humans who put the needs of others before their own.
I know there are plenty of important considerations to take into the voting booth, but it all starts with the person.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.