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Was Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?
By Brian Christensen
Artwork by Regina Randolph
The election season is upon us and by November 2008, we will have a new President to lead The United States. George W. Bush must step down because of a two-term limit in the Constitution. This situation usually leads to a wild and open race. Each party chooses among a list of candidates, who they think will best represent their party in the main election. Most people rally around their candidate or party while the campaigns and debates begin. As we move closer to November, the field becomes limited to just a few candidates and the campaigns become more heated. By the time Election Day arrives, the campaigns can be ugly and most people want it to be over. Recently, the candidates seemed to spend more time attacking others rather than promoting themselves. This behavior is spreading to almost all elected positions while the tactics get worse. With all this sinful behavior, and the truth hard to find, how does a Christian exercise his or her right to vote while honoring our God and upholding His values?
Honoring Our Country
“I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Most people living in the United States spoke these words thousands of times as children and believe in their hearts, the importance of honoring their country. Last night, I attended a hockey game, where the National Anthem of Canada was played in addition to the Anthem of the United States. Patriotism is not unique to the United States. It is prevalent in almost all countries. All countries have had veterans die while fighting for that country and its values. A large part of these values is the right to choose our leaders and live free. Many feel one of the few ways we can honor our veterans and our country is to participate in the election process. Others, however, think the process is bad, the politicians are crooked, or it is not Christian to vote. They abstain from the election process completely. While some of this is true, and our society is moving further and further from God, avoiding the election is not the answer. All of our countries are in existence and blessed as a result of God. We are the immeasurable stars of Abraham. Certainly, God is not upset if we try to support and uphold the blessing of our country. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God had instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1, 2). It is not easy. Many of the candidates are sinful and many of the campaign tactics are not Christian. Our societies are moving away from God and our governments are removing God from them. For example, the pledge of allegiance I quoted earlier is not allowed in most public schools anymore, because of the word God. Additionally, the Ten Commandments have been removed from most public facilities. We must remember it was also difficult for us to find the truth about God and it is difficult for us to grow. We certainly can attempt to evaluate the candidates and make a choice. Our countries are still better off with Christians participating rather than staying home. “Therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience” (Romans 13:5).
Remembering To Vote for God First
Participating in politics can bring a danger which we must protect against. As we promote our candidate, it is easy to become too emotional and forget God. While it is important to be involved in our country’s elections, it is more important to remember God and His ways. As we discuss the candidates and debate the issues, we must be respectful of others and their opinions. The Republicans, Democrats, and any other political parties are not going to save you. Only God can save us and someday there won’t be anymore elections as Jesus will lead us. If we are going to help Jesus in the Millennium and become future Kings and leaders, we must learn how to persevere through difficulty while continuing to uphold God’s ways. We cannot do that by staying home.
Jesus tried to work with the Pharisees and Sadducees by discussing the truth about God and His law. They did not listen and refused to accept the possibility they were wrong. Jesus never gave up and continued to debate with them or anyone else who confronted Him. He always was Christian in His approach and treatment of others while aggressive in promoting God and His way. Jesus also taught us to pray for our leaders and our countries. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1,2).
The Ten Commandments tell us not to worship anything other than God and not to make any type of an idol. If we are more passionate about politics than we are about God, we are creating an idol. Learning about the elections, studying the issues, watching the debates, meeting and talking to people about the campaign, and even volunteering to help a campaign are good things to do. We should also study the Bible, listen to the truth be preached, fellowship with our brethren, and even volunteer to help them. God and His Word are the most important things in our lives. Be more passionate and aggressive with your Christian walk than anything else you do. When Satan came to Jesus in the desert, Jesus said to him, “Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4: 10). Do not let your passion for politics, sports, or anything else, be a doorway for Satan to enter and separate you from God.
Cast Your Ballot
Freedom is about choice and many have fallen to protect the freedom we have. Choice brings about opinions, as we all have individual thoughts and ideas. Opinions will always bring out differences, causing discussions and possible strife. Politics and religious beliefs have caused many conflicts, pain, and even death. We honor God, our countries, and our fallen heroes by participating in the elections of our leaders. As we discuss the candidates and debate the issues, we must also honor God in the way in which we treat others. Place God first and above all. If we are passionate about politics, let us be more passionate about the truth and God’s Word. Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat as He is not of this world and only belongs to God the Father. He is our Master and will be our future Ruler and King. Be involved in the election process and pray about it. Remember to always cast your first vote for God.
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