TELLING IT LIKE IT IS !

Truth is the beginning of wisdom…

HWJV: How Would Jesus Vote?

Posted by straight shooter on October 23, 2008 under Political, Theological Concerns

As opposed to the 2004 election process, the 2008 political campaign does not seem to be as concerned about where the candidates are spiritually, or even morally, even though some aspect of that has been made known.

The concern is more personal … actually more selfish, especially with Christians.

The Christian community, or has that become an oxymoron?, have become more concerned about what they can get from the government programs and promises as opposed to the higher calling to “in-context” biblical values.

It has become about “free” healthcare, affirmative action, my this, my that … and yes, my taxes and social security. These have become an overriding focus over God’s values … life, righteousness, justice. Abortion, same-sex marriage, family values, and other moral issues need to be enforced by the Christian vote. To vote against these issues by voting for the “what’s in it for me” would actually be a sin.

Without biblical values none of the other things are going to improve anyway … they will just continue to get worse!

So, how would Jesus process His vote?

First, Jesus would warn against “. . . people [who] honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:7-9) Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is actually living out Jesus’ teachings. If you are not living out His teachings you are sinning.

Second, Jesus would warn against those who parade their faith for personal – and political – gain. “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)

Third, Jesus would ask, what’s your record on compassion issues that are important to Him? “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink? I was a stranger and you invited me ink, I needed clothing and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:35-40) Did you take care of people?

Forth, Jesus would probe, have you been faithful valuing life? The unborn, the infirmed, the elderly? “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) God knows us from conception to death. (Psalm 139:13)

Fifth, Jesus would investigate, what are you teaching the children? “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

When we vote and evade the teachings of God’s Word … we sin. The consequences will then be invoked on both us and others.

Don’t support someone simply because he or she mouths the right spiritual sound bytes. Rather, follow Christ’s warning as you evaluate the candidates: “Be as shrewd as snakes.”