Why We Keep Getting Poor Candidate Choices (Part 1)

The word “compartmentalization” is the separation of what is perceived to be secular and what is sacred. It is the greatest singular heresy currently propagated in the Church. Yes, you heard me right on this one. I used the word, “heresy” (and I don’t use that word flippantly). Pastors are the greatest culprits because they are the primary teachers of the Church. We hear taught from our pulpits certain errors which we receive as truth without appropriate Biblical study. For example…

~ Jesus and the early Church was never involved in “politics”. (False)
~ The Bible teaches us about the way to salvation and nothing else. (False)
~ Government and Christianity should be completely separated. (False)
~ The Church shouldn’t be involved in public policy. (False)
~ Scripture speaks about our relationship with God and not public policy. (False)
~ The Church deals with the spiritual and politicians deal with the nation. (False)
~ We will lose out tax-exempt status if we breach the “separation”. (False)

Unfortunately, the list is endless of how we have promoted theological compartmentalization. This really answers the question as to how 500+ pastors of one state can endorse a candidate but it has no real effect in the actual election. There is a disconnect between spiritual authority (on numerous levels) and practicality in the voting booth. The Church has not discipled its members as to how God is involved with their “vote”. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I am not saying the Church must “tell” it’s congregants who to vote for. I am indeed saying that the Church must teach its members how to cast a Biblical and God honoring vote (see previous post).

Our responsibility as Christians, before we filter through the candidates positions on government programs and issues, is to determine as to whether or not the candidate fulfills the qualification of a “minister of God” in the civil arena (Romans 13:4, 6). So, allow me start to vetting by asking the first question…

1. Is the Candidate a Biblical Worldview Christian?

Declaring oneself to be a “Christian” means little in 21st century America. Labels without substance are common in numerous settings and even more so in politics and theology. Remember, this is America and you can believe anything and call it anything. This is why the first question to be asked is not simply whether or not the candidate claims to be a Christian, but from where does the candidate derive that definition and their authority to make such a claim? Where does the candidate develop a philosophy of life and governing? To what standard does the candidate aspire to and become accountable? How does the candidate view the world and truth? These are foundational issues which will ultimately define their character and integrity. We should be looking for candidates who are Christians with a Biblical worldview.

Proverbs 23:7, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he…”
Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

Why would we elect people who do not hold to a righteous standard and willfully inflict a “groaning” upon our nation? Why would we endorse such people? Why would we use our influence to propagate such people? Let’s take this a step further, why would pastors suggest such people to rule? Why would we open the door to judgment (or sinful repercussions) when there may be other considerations or options in the political primary process?

I understand that we are not electing theologians or pastors, but we are electing people who are claiming some form of guiding ideology or philosophy. What exactly is it and from where is it derived? The Bible states (and some of us still believe that it is inspired by God) that these people are considered to be “ministers” tasked by God with certain responsibilities within the civic arena. Would you want your “minister” at church to be cut from the same cloth as your “minister” in government? For many, they have never connected those dots.

A government official is expected to honor God in his vocation as much as the butcher, the baker, and candlestick maker. We do not preach to the executives of corporations and laborers that they should honor God with their private lives but leave the Lord out of their business dealings or employment. That would be compartmentalization. In like manner, the politician is under the same standard. They are expected to bring righteous rule to whatever office they are elected to. Their first responsibility is to the Lord of whom they claim they have given their lives. I know…that is a radical statement to say that they are accountable to God first…and then their constituency. That is the reason, however, we are where we are in America. Big money, special interests, and other forces have captured the attention of our politicians instead of a guiding rudder which cannot be moved. Until the Church determines that it will only accept Biblically grounded candidates, we will continue to spiral as a nation. This is step one of the vetting process.