I admit I consider myself a political pacifist but a spiritual activist. As a citizen, I read the propositions and candidate backgrounds and cast my votes, but then I rest on the comfort that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” I trust in the outcome of God’s plan for not only my life, but the entire state, nation, planet, and universe.
Some have criticized Christian pacifists as “being so heavenly minded they are no earthly good”. But I concern myself more over becoming so earthly minded that I’m no heavenly good. Every minute I spend hand-wringing over the hot topics of the day are moments lost, distracting me from God’s mission to “make disciples.” You can’t tell me satan is not behind this never ending game of subterfuge.
I hope it goes without saying that I know Jesus and the President have very different jobs. While both command an army, Jesus’ job is not subject to term limits. See? Nailed it. (no pun intended).
I know Jesus’ main job is to shield those chosen by the Father from God’s righteous justice. The Holy Spirit’s job is to provide the counsel needed for believers to become more like Jesus over the course of their lifetime. Meanwhile, one of the main duties of the President is to uphold the constitution. This hallowed document guarantees equal protection under the law (14th amendment). The President is to ensure that even the differently persuaded receive the same rights and privileges as all the other country’s citizens.
This past weekend I was invited to provide a message from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles involving a man named Simon Magus. Reading the Bible’s description of the man, it seemed to ring a familiar bell for me. I saw a similarity between him and one of our candidates for President. Magus is described as “a man … amazing the people … and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” The scriptures go on to document how the heads of the early church, Peter and John, who knew how to recognize false believers, condemned Simon Magus for attempting to buy the power of the Holy Spirit for his own selfish purposes.
I am not looking to elect Jesus for President (it would be a huge demotion for Him). However, in the performance of my civic duty and especially as a follower of Jesus, I can’t imagine voting for someone whose character presents daily to be the polar opposite of Jesus’.
We’re said to be able to recognize a tree by its fruit (Luke 6). Knowing this (and all of the Bible) to be true, I call into question the core character of a person when I see their fruit involves childish name calling, pervasive lying, adultery, conspicuous philandering, rape, the twisting of tax law, and the breaking of, corruption of, and interpreting of, laws solely for the benefit himself and his friends (ah, I mean convicts and co-conspirators). Setting character aside (a BIG ask), how can anyone with a concern for being a steward of our planet and of our future be in favor of the proposed polices? These positions will lead to even bigger deficits (check out the US debt clock in 2016 vs 2020) and more pollution (see the platform here and compare it to this one)? Too much to read? Here is a side-by-side comparison on a range of topics.
Should the people of this land (well, the electoral college really) choose him as President, I shall remember God has previously allowed other contemptible people to reign (all the way back to Herod and Nero) at least for a while. I won’t protest or riot but I will see the outcome as God’s will and trust in the inevitability of Jesus’ return and eternal reign. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray for our citizens to return to seeking God first. Will you join me?
PS Check out this fact checking from the September 10th debate.