It’s midterm election season and we are again presented with the challenge as to who to choose to represent us in various elected offices. For the Christian this is particularly relevant as the practice of earthly citizenship is one of the ways we “salt and light” the culture. Again, as redundant as it seems for me to say it, I do not put my hope nor my trust in any human being or earthly institution. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I say it to simply appease the compartmentalists and pietists who minimize or disconnect from the need of participation in civic matters. The Scripture seems clear to me that,
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Cor. 10:31)
And…
“…whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Col. 3:17)
I think I’m safe in saying that “voting” or selecting civic leaders would certainly apply under “whatever”.
That is, of course, unless your pragmatism exercises dominion over your obedience. For whatever reason (and there seems to be many), elections apparently have a special dispensation of exception with regards to biblical fidelity.
Case in point is Exodus 18:21,
“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”
The Lord is speaking through Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, concerning the qualifications of governing. I know it was the Lord because his exhortation has been forever established in the heavens as inspired Scripture and…
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16)
God’s standard for civic leaders is remarkably simple and easily attained. These 4 standards are not unrealistic expectations nor legalistic impossibilities. They are actually quite the opposite. These 4 qualifications are straightforward, elementary, and easily demonstrated.
The candidate must…
FEAR GOD
A fruit-bearing Christian would of course top my list, but the Lord only requires a reverential fear existing in the candidate. A person who recognizes an authority transcending theirs. A healthy respect for the reality of judgment and their ultimate accountability to it. A realization that God is not mocked.
Now here’s the question…
Would you really want someone who doesn’t fear God? Has no sense of divine accountability? Refuses to acknowledge a power higher than their own? Do you really want a completely autonomous individual who is the captain of their own life? Unmoved by any thought of eternal judgment? No matter what side of the aisle they may sit on?
ABLE TO PERFORM DUTIES
In other words, the candidate is competent. Yes, God’s Word demands that candidates exhibit competency for the office they seek.
Would you rather have incompetency? Would you rather a candidate be a puppet to masters behind the scene? Do you want an unprepared, untested individual providing leadership in challenging circumstances?
The Lord thinks that “able” people are the right choice.
ESCHEW DISHONEST RICHES
The candidate needs to be untethered to dishonest or questionable monies. They do not sell their representation to the highest bidder. Their personal acquisition of wealth is not tied to their decision making. No quid pro quos. No back room deals. No money for access. An honest broker in public policy decisions.
Would you prefer the opposite? Those who enter office as average citizens and end up multimillionaires from “serving” the public? I have no prejudice to prospering, however I do question how many find that prosperity. Apparently, so does the Lord.
EMBRACES OBJECTIVE TRUTH
The candidate must hold to an objective standard of truth. There are still certain realities which are “self-evident”, not to mention the moral code of Scripture and millennia of civilizations. Certainly pragmatism can inform numerous decisions and discussions, but things that alter objective truth are simply not entertained. The candidate is not a relativist or a situationist. There is a demonstrable “rudder” that has guided their life.
Would you rather elect a “reed” susceptible to the winds of trendiness? Do you want a candidate that licks their finger to measure the breeze of current popular opinion?
These 4 benchmarks are not some crazy Christian theocratic standard which violates all sense of reason or reality. These 4 are actually fairly reasonable expectations, not to mention it is unquestionably scriptural.
So much could be said in these regards. In fact, I have done just that through the years. However, as we enter into the election cycle I thought I would again toss some thoughts out there for people to chew on.
Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Perhaps it’s time to eject from insanity and try selecting civic leaders God’s way.
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