Like it or not, election season is upon us.  That means we’re forced to put up with the onslaught of political ads and candidates attempting to rip one another to shreds.  I don’t care for it, and I don’t know of anyone who does, but unfortunately, that has become part of American politics.  Despite that, it is our great privilege in America to choose our nation’s most influential leaders, including President of the United States.

As believers, it is important that we vote according to the Biblical principles that guide our lives.  One of those principles is to be ready for Christ’s return.  The Gospel writers tell us that we must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect.  (Matthew 24:4, Luke 12:40)  Moreover, the foundational Scripture for this blog and the accompanying Bible study is:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,  looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.
~Titus 2:11-13

So, not only are we to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly as we await the coming of our Blessed Hope (Jesus Christ), but it would serve us well to elect governing officials who do likewise.

The six remaining Republican candidates debate tonight, and it provides us some insight into where these men stand.  But don’t take their word for it.  Examine their voting records, as well as previously published statements and actions.  Let’s consider how to evaluate the candidates, based on Biblical principles.

• Moral issues. Consider what you hear (and have heard) the candidates say regarding issues in which the Bible is clear and specific.  Which candidates support living sensibly, righteously, and Godly, as instructed in Titus 2 above?  Which candidates stand for marriage as a commitment between one man and one woman for life?  Which candidates stand for the right to life of the unborn?  Which men speak highly of their wives and other women?  Which candidates speak freely of their commitment to Biblical principles?
• Support of Israel. Why is this important?  Because the Bible tells us that those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed.  (Genesis 12:3)  Furthermore, Joel 3:2 warns that nations who divide the land of Israel and scatter the people will be called into judgment.  As a nation, we do not want to stand on the wrong side of either of those equations!  Which candidates are outspoken and sincere about their support of Israel?  How have they demonstrated that in the past?
• National security and protection of allies. America seems to have forgotten that one of the most important responsibilities of our federal government is to protect our homeland and our allies.  Instead, our government has a penchant for sticking the nose where it doesn’t belong (healthcare and social issues, for example), while decreasing our ability to defend our borders and our nation.  Which candidates have clearly identified the world’s predominate enemy and called it what it is: radical Islam?  Which candidates have a clearly stated plan to deal with ISIS and Iran, the greatest threats on the planet today?  Tough talk doesn’t protect our land.  A sound strategy and the willingness to identify the enemy and deal with them is necessary.  Who has true experience in the realm of foreign policy and national security?  Commander-in-Chief is not an entry level position!
• Economic issues. The Bible is full of instruction regarding avoiding debt, living within a budget, and counting the cost before spending.  According to the US Debt Clock, we are $19 TRILLION in debt.  (That’s almost $59,000 per person!  Do you have that in pocket change?)  Of course an argument can be made as to the accuracy of that tool.  However, even if it were overstated by 50%, our debt would be almost $10 trillion.  Which candidates have a sound financial plan for America?  Which candidates spend wisely?  It’s not about who HAS the most money, but about who is best able to lead America toward budgeting and spending in a Biblical way.

Though debates tend to bring out the worst in candidates at times, I encourage you to watch the debate tonight on CBS at 9:00pm Eastern (7:00pm in Arizona).  Beyond that, however, weigh what you hear the candidates say against what their history and their record says.  They don’t always match!  For example, some candidates will state that they are conservative, but their history, their record, and/or their lifestyle will tell you something very different!

Americans, it is our privilege to elect our own leaders.  We are one of the few democracies on earth, and we are a free people.  Let’s honor the grace that God has given us by thoroughly evaluating the candidates, then voting our values.  Time is short, so let’s live out these days with a Biblical focus.  It’s the sensible, righteous, and Godly thing to do!

PS: If you are interested in which candidates seem to have the best alignment with Christian values, click here.