“For the sake of the Lord submit to every human
institution. Do this whether it means submitting to the emperor as supreme
ruler, or to governors as those sent by the emperor. They are
sent to punish those doing evil and to praise those doing good” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
In a few weeks, America will face another Presidential election. While these seasons are always stressful and contentious, it seems that the heated rhetoric on both sides have led to this year’s campaigns being especially divisive and challenging. With that in mind, let me share three excellent pieces of advice that I believe are God-honoring and provide a helpful counterbalance to what we hear in our political ads.
--I--
The first is from the founder of Methodist Christianity John Wesley, who once shared this advice with his Methodists about the 1774 British Parliamentary elections:
“I met those of our [Methodist] Society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them,…
1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the
person they judged most worthy;
2) To speak no evil of the person they voted
against; And…
3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side” (From John Wesley’s Journal, October 6, 1774).
Consistent with these thoughts, a number
of years ago, our North Georgia United Methodist Conference Bishop's office shared
the following CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO VOTING as a tool to help guide us in the election
voting process. I share them again here
for your prayerful consideration as you prepare to cast your ballots. Remember that no matter what
your position is on the candidates or the issues, Christians have a
responsibility to be involved in the selection of our leaders.
4. As Christians, we have our own language, our own framework of thought that will strike both "sides" on any given issue as odd. Do not let candidates manipulate your passion for a single issue at the expense of other things you care about.
5. Favor candidates who call for responsibility for the common good. Remember that as Christians we talk less about individual rights and more about God's gift of life to all people. It's less about "me" and "my rights" and more about "us."
6. Jesus reminds us in his Sermon on the Mount that in the kingdom of God, the poor are blessed. Make compassion for the disadvantaged a priority in your voting.
7. The Church resembles a family of people all around the world that transcends nationality and ethnicity. As the hymn says, "In Christ there is no east or west." Remember that we live in a global village, that God has children in all countries.
8. Look for leaders who are wise, exemplary in character and possess compassion and vision in addition to being effective.
9. Be wary of misleading advertising or campaign rhetoric that feeds on prejudice and divisiveness. Focus on the issues and candidates who can be catalysts for understanding, for bringing people together, candidates who can inspire us to get connected in the pursuit of community and justice.
10. Look for ways to embody your political ideals personally. Engage in the life of our congregation and community. Christians understand that words must be matched by actions. In his last sermon, Jesus said we would be judged, not by "Did I take the right stand on moral dilemmas" and not by "Did I think correct thoughts about the poor and their plight," but "Did I actually do something? Did I feed, clothe, visit, get involved?"
--III--
Finally, I recently filmed a light-hearted one-minute video to remind us of what we as Christians truly need to consider as we engage in our political voting this coming election. I invite you to
Never forget that God loves you and I do, too!
