"It is absolutely
critical—indeed, in my opinion it is a sacred responsibility—that
all Christians vote in this election ... We Christians need to take
another look at the principles we allow to guide us at the polls! We've
'principled' ourselves into irrelevance and, ironically, a national loss
of Biblical principles. We must remember we are not electing a
religious leader. And we will always be electing a flawed person to lead
a flawed people. Unfortunately, the perfect candidate doesn't exist."
-Dutch Sheets
[Charisma News]
America is in a fight for her destiny. Our upcoming presidential
election is about more than which personality or political party we
prefer. A well-known Christian author has written a well-circulated blog
suggesting Christians shouldn't vote for Donald Trump. His reasons
center around the poor witness and example of Christianity he believes
Trump has demonstrated, and his fears that this might continue, should
he be elected. (As you may know, Trump professes to be a Christian.) (Photo: Reuters/via Charisma News)
Others, even major Republican leaders, have also refused to support
Trump on the basis of "principle." Many good and sincere people are
struggling to decide where they stand on this important decision. Though
we cannot, as a non-profit ministry, endorse a candidate, I do have
some thoughts that may help as you think and pray about your choice for
president.
1) First, like the aforementioned Christian author, I
passionately desire to have a God-honoring, Christian President; and
obviously I, too, would prefer one that exemplifies Christian
principles.
2) I have also been appalled by some of Trump's rude,
mean-spirited, and even vicious attacks on others; I've also been
disappointed at times by the pride I've seen in him.
3) I am as suspicious as anyone when the timing of a person's
"conversion" to Christ occurs when it is conveniently needed, whether it
be prior to an election or when going before a judge; and I, too, am
always looking for the fruit such a conversion should begin to manifest.
4) I do not agree with all of Trump's positions.
But here's where I differ with some Christians:
whether or not a person speaks kindly, would provide an appropriate
Christian witness or, frankly, even professes to be a Believer—though,
again, this would always be my preference—are not my primary litmus
tests for presidential candidates or important positions of
national leadership. I'm glad General George Patton helped save the
world during World War II, foul mouth and all.
Like all of us, I've known many individuals I would thoroughly trust
in leadership or government who did not profess to be a Christian. And,
on the other hand, I've known many professing Christians whom I would
never trust to govern. (The names Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama come to
mind.)
I fear that sometimes we Christians insert the same religious mindset
into elections that has divided the Church for centuries: If one's
theologies and religious standards don't agree with ours, we refuse to
walk or work together. It seems as though many Christians have the
mistaken belief that partnering or working with someone means we agree
with and support everything they believe. How absurd ... and how
costly.
As an example, millions of Christians in the last presidential
election refused to vote for Governor Romney because he was a Mormon.
Their Christian principles, ideals and theology simply wouldn't permit
it. And what did those well-meaning, "principled" decisions give us?
We Christians need to take another look at the principles we allow to
guide us at the polls! We've "principled" ourselves into irrelevance
and, ironically, a national loss of Biblical principles. We must
remember we are not electing a religious leader. And we will always be
electing a flawed person to lead a flawed people. Unfortunately, the
perfect candidate doesn't exist.
When
voting, consider not just the candidate, but also the issues we face.
Which candidate is going to make the decisions that are best for the
whole nation? And whose policies more closely align with the Word of
God? Here is my suggested list of the ideals we should allow to steer us
when we vote (not including the obvious intangibles of intellect,
wisdom, and such): (Photo: Dutch Sheets)
1) God-honoring. Does this person at least profess to believe in and honor God?
Click here to read the rest of the ideals.