But the Bible Doesn’t Say Who I Should Vote For…

We are in a war zone – a real war with a real enemy, and it’s not the other political party, your neighbor or your spouse despite what social media tells you. It’s a spiritual war for the hearts and lives of our children and the generations to come.

It’s election season, and a lot is at stake this year. As believers it’s easy to get caught up in all the swirling and conflicting views; but there’s only one view that matters. And it’s God’s. But does the Bible actually say anything about how we are to cast our vote in 2020???

We live in a world where the culture is dictating truth; where truth is relative; where my truth can be different than your truth; where opinions are as numerous as people. “But know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation…” (2 Peter 1:20a) There is only once source of TRUTH – truth that is unchanging and not relative – and that is God’s Word. “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” (Psalms 119:160)

So many people – even those who call themselves Christians and Christ followers – believe the Bible is outdated or that it doesn’t speak specifically to our culture and our times and the issues we are facing as a nation right now, but let me tell you, Friend….it does! The Bible is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) FOREVER.

The problem is we are either lazy or more concerned with comfort, appearance or relevance.

We live in the age of convenience, cliff notes and podcasts; but there are no shortcuts when it comes to understanding God’s Word. We have to pour into Scripture in all its contexts and nuances. We have to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding and applying the words that we read. The Bible certainly has areas in which it’s pretty cut and dry leaving no room for misinterpretation. “Thou shalt not murder” is pretty self-explanatory. But there are also statements/commands that are more broad in nature like “Love your neighbor.” Reading this verse as a stand-alone we can easily come to different conclusions about how to love your neighbor; however, if we want to know what God actually means and how God actually wants us to love our neighbor we have to do a more thorough study of Scripture. There are tons of examples in the Bible that will show us how to apply Scripture as it is intended. For example, there are hundreds of examples of Jesus actually and practically loving others. Sometimes it looked like meeting a physical need, but there was also always a spiritual component. Sometimes loving others was simple forgiveness and grace, but other times it involved calling out sin and calling sinners to repentance. Jesus ate with sinners, but He also commanded an adulteress to sin no more; He called the Pharisees ‘broods of vipers’ and of their ‘father their devil.’ He challenged the cultural thinking of the day and spoke authoritatively on topics that made him unpopular.

Sometimes, it’s not a problem of being ‘lazy” or not knowing what the Bible says, but the fear of not appearing sympathetic, relevant, or popular if we boldly and emphatically stand on the truths on Scripture. It’s not our job to make the Bible fit neatly into the cultural narrative, but to speak the truth into a culture that is tossed about by every wind and doctrine of men. (Ephesians 4:14)

We aren’t supposed to look at Scripture through the lens of culture; we are supposed to look at culture through the lens of Scripture.

The truth of Scripture is our ultimate authority and should determine and influence where we stand on cultural issues. It may be “unprogressive” to emphatically state that marriage is between one man and one woman. It may appear unsympathetic or “anti-woman” (which is absolutely ridiculous) to stand firm against abortion. But it doesn’t matter. God is clear on these subjects, and we should be confident in holding firmly to these truths no matter which way the culture sways. “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth…” (Eph. 6:14)

Opinions change, but truth never changes. God never changes.

So many people say that Jesus and politics don’t belong together. Of course they do! A simple cursory glance at the issues we face in our nation today are clear indicators that Jesus should influence our politics. Does the Bible emphatically state “Thou shalt vote for _______.”? No, of course not; but the Bible sure does tell us that life in the womb matters, that it’s our role and right as parents to be the ones making decisions about how we raise our children – not the government, that we are to value hard work and not seek handouts (or evenly distribute wealth), that marriage is between one man and one woman, that we are free to worship God openly. These things: life, liberty, religious freedom and so much more are on the table this election. No matter who we vote for, we are voting for a sinner – that’s a given. It’s not about WHO we vote for but WHAT. Our judgement of someone’s personality shouldn’t be elevated over others’ obvious disdain for Christian values and Biblical truths. How can we claim the moral high ground as our reasoning for not casting our vote on one side only to cast it on the side of those desiring to eliminate life, liberty, and religious freedom? It simply demonstrates either a lack of understanding God’s values or the elevation of culture’s values over God’s.

So my challenge to you is this:

In ANY situation when we are tempted to say that the Bible doesn’t have anything to say about whatever predicament we are in or whatever cultural reality we are facing, stop and ask yourself if you have really searched Scripture, sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and believe that His opinions matter more, because I promise you, He has something to say about it – and He is always right.

Reject the lies. “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. ¹⁸ For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” (Rom 16:17-18)

Hold fast to the truth. “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4)