“How do I participate in voting when there are no E18 candidates on the ballot?”
The time has arrived for the “rubber to hit the road” and to move from the theology of Exodus 18:21, to the application of the principle. Since I function and minister in the civic arena as my primary focus, I have, what I think, is a unique vantage point to make these applications. Allow me to say clearly, I do not consider myself the final say or even a notable “expert” on such matters. That said, I find it fascinating to note that one recognized expert, Dr. Wayne Grudem, in his 600+ page text book, “Politics According to the Bible”, makes absolutely NO reference to the Exodus 18:21 principle in its pages. A glaring omission from my vantage point as all politics starts with an election. (By the way, his book is well worth the time reading for many other considerations.)
My point in calling attention to this omission is to underscore how little we think, as American Christians, in regards to candidate qualifications for civic leadership. I would recommend watching the videos from the site: http://stepstopoliticalepiphany.com from my good friend, Pastor Cary Gordon, who has spent hours of research and creative production on making this very point. His points are worthy of serious reflection.
Now back to the question, “How do I approach application?”
ONE – While Exodus 18:21 qualifications are not subjective, the application, unfortunately, may be at times. That sounds like double-speak, but let me explain. In much the same way elders are chosen at various evangelical churches according to the stated principles of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1, the men who might be considered qualified in one church may not be considered at another. Some churches might have a far stricter application measure than another. There might be a time element or clarity of fruit demonstration that is expected. Both churches would land solidly behind the biblical elder qualification list, but their candidates may not be interchangeable from church to church. A Christian of 10, 20, 30, or 40 years may be mature by definition, but their lives and faith-walk may not look exactly the same.
So it MAY be when considering elected officials. There may be some space for grace as they are vetted through the Exodus 18:21 filter. Of course, in our era, the qualified v. the unqualified chasm seems to ever widening. I make this point to underscore, good people can disagree over qualified candidates. There will never be a monolith of application.
TWO – I am not allowed to avoid participation because there are no candidates who vet through the Exodus 18:21 filter. I cannot be “salt and light” in a decaying culture by non participation, any more that I can evangelize the culture by refusing to preach or witness the Gospel by my voice. Silence and inactivity are not Gospel tools. So, I always show up at the precinct to vote. I am a Christian steward of this nation which I believe was established by God’s providence and for His purposes. If God chooses to judge it by our disobedience, that is His prerogative as the sovereign Lord. But I am obedient no matter the environment.
THREE – I participate in all facets of the election process. This includes primaries and general elections, as well as local and national elections. In general, local elections are the farm leagues for national leaders. These people are often times the most qualified as E18 candidates as they have yet to be bombarded by national election and party pressures. These are the days that righteous qualities can be developed and strengthened for greater influence at a later date.
FOUR – Solicit qualified people to run for office. If you aren’t liking the choices, then find another candidate to help get elected. Chances are there are groups in your town and city already on this mission and you can join them. If not, start one.
FIVE – National elections are the most frustrating at times because pragmatism rules the process. Without telling you my voting record through the years, I have personally availed myself to write-in candidates and qualified 3rd party options to maintain my fidelity to Exodus 18:21. I do not believe the two party system is sacrosanct. I have been betrayed as a voter by both sides of the aisle. I know the criticism that is offered by saying “I have thrown a vote away” or “voted for the more evil candidate”. That is sophomoric sophistry. If just half the registered, evangelical voters got a burden for E18 application, it would revolutionize the process. It would encourage some candidates and force others to take their faith more seriously as they serve God in the civic government arena. It would turn the two-party system on its ear. Political candidates and parties do not get an exemption card from obedience to God’s Word because…well…they are in politics. Everyone who claims Christ as Lord is responsible to His Lordship whether they be the butcher, the baker, or the candlestick maker.
SIX – I understand that at the end of the day not everyone will agree with me or land in the same square I am advocating in. I can live with that. I work in the civic mission field because I am called by God to bear witness to the Gospel in that arena. Public policy and civic mission are important, but they are not transformational. The death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as King is the Gospel. Our obedience to the King is the only hope for our nation. If I fail, as E. Stanley Jones once wrote, “At least I fail following King Jesus”.
As I conclude this series of posts, I simply throw my thoughts out there to provoke thinking upon the readers. It is two years before the next election and there is time to change our filters of selection. I’m not sure how many more elections we have in our present state of affairs. However, as quickly as things deteriorate, they can be renewed IF we obey God’s precepts.
America…I’m still singing that “God would shed His grace on thee”…
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