Last night was the first debate in what is shaping up to be an incredibly emotional and heated presidential election season. I’m burdened because of the vitriol I have seen in public discourse from both sides. However, I am mostly burdened over the negative actions by Christians towards other Christians who do not share their same political views. Since when are believers encouraged to divide and demean one another over American politics? Believers are commanded to love no matter the circumstance - through disagreements and even persecution (Mat 5:44-47). Right now the church must embrace kingdom values over and above any earthly political party. Ultimately, followers of Jesus will find themselves caught in the middle of a two party system that doesn’t fully espouse the values of the kingdom of God. In each party there are some positives and many negatives. To say it plainly the American political system isn’t built for the glory of God. 

Those who want to follow Jesus are basically politically homeless. 

So how do Christians discern the right choice in this moment? Are we to blindly side with one party because of singular issues? Should we just opt out of voting? How can we be salt and light in the midst of a cultural context that is aflame with anger and division? 

I want to offer a few thoughts that may help you navigate this difficult political climate:

1. We must recognize that neither political party is fully righteous and just. If we are going to be true to the Lord and the values of the kingdom, we can’t whitewash the negatives of each of the parties in order to declare one of them as “God’s side.” God isn’t on either side of the America political equation; He is for the glory of His Son, Jesus. No matter how you vote, you will be voting for a political party that doesn’t fully evidence or embrace the values of the Kingdom. 

2. Both candidates for president are in deep need of mercy and the saving power of the blood of Jesus. I have heard firsthand reports that the president is perhaps experiencing an awakening to righteousness of sorts. It’s possible that there is a nascent faith that is present in Him. If that’s true, I am praying for that to grow.  It is also possible that the president is simply pandering to evangelicals to secure their votes. Whatever the case, both the president and his opponent need Jesus’ mercy and grace. Jesus is equally able to turn a republican or a democrat to Himself and use him for His glory. Both candidates are just men. I encourage you to pray for them both to encounter Jesus in a profound way.

3. Neither a president nor a political party is the savior of America. The only hope for America is a God-birthed revival that turns masses to repentance and the saving power of Jesus Christ. Our hope cannot be in the American political system. It must be in the power of God to shift the spiritual atmosphere over our nation and release upon us a powerful manifestation of the kingdom. Regardless of who gets elected the Lord Jesus is enthroned and working all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). We are to put our hope in Him alone.

4. Believers are commanded to pray for whoever gets elected (1 Tim 2:1-2). If believers would spend as much time in intercession for the individual that occupies the office of president as they do engaging in social media boxing matches we would see massive shifts take place in that office. What if the 200 million people who claim to be Christians in the United States simply prayed daily for the spirit of revelation to descend upon the oval office and for God to have His way in the White House? What kind of power would be manifest?

5. Be gracious to people who think differently than you. The propensity to vilify everyone who thinks differently than us is not an impulse born of the Holy Spirit. God reaches to the person who is least likely to follow Jesus, like Saul of Tarsus and turns them into the greatest proponent of the Kingdom of God the earth has ever seen, Paul the Apostle. We are to treat everyone with honor, love, and humility. Refuse to sever relationships with believers who vote differently than you. I’m convinced the greatest issue is not who you vote for, it’s how you treat those who vote differently than you.

6. Vote by the council of the word of God and the Holy Spirit. This is not the time for Christians to be partisans in politics. Our citizenship is in heaven, not from this earth. We are not to be owned by political systems. If we are called to a vocation in politics, it is undoubtedly to bring change in that system by manifesting the kingdom of God. I encourage believers to get a non-partisan ballot ahead of time and begin to prayerfully consider each candidate for the offices you will be voting. Do some research to understand their background and lifestyle. Compare the candidate’s positions with biblical values and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you. 

7. Whomever you vote for, hold them accountable. When they do something that accords with righteousness and justice commend them and when they do something that is in opposition to righteousness and justice express your displeasure. This doesn’t mean you need to post ANYTHING on social media. There are addresses (physical and digital) that you can use to directly communicate with virtually every candidate. Let your voice be heard at the polling place but also during the tenure of the candidates you elect.

I pray that these thoughts are helpful for you as you stay anchored to hope in Jesus through this election season.