Sound Political Advice

 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

   If you want to know what people are really like, pay attention to what they do, not what they say. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees, “…say, and do not.” (Matthew 23:3) These words are actually sound advice when voting. Candidates may talk of caring for the middle class and working families. They may talk about religion and even quote Scripture. Yet the best way to know what they are truly like is not to go by what they say they will do while in office, but to look at what they have already done while in office.

   This presidential election is unique in that we have an idea of how both candidates would act based on past performance. Donald Trump was president for four years, and Vice-President Kamala Harris has worked with the Biden administration’s policies, so we can expect her policies would be fairly consistent with his.

   Considering the economy, crime, immigration, foreign policy, or any other important issue, consider how the two candidates performed. If you think the Biden administration has done better than the Trump administration, you will likely vote for Vice-President Harris. If you think the Trump administration did better, you will likely vote for Mr. Trump. As the Lord said, go by what they do, not what they say.

   Yet our verse does not say, “If (CHOOSE ONE: Democrats, Republicans) shall get (CHOOSE ONE: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump) elected, then will I heal their land.” Not at all. It says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will FORGIVE THEIR SIN, and will heal their land.” (capitals added) If you are a Christian, God is not focused on the candidates. He is focused on YOU.

   America’s biggest problems are related to sin, not politics. Some may talk against abortion or same-sex conduct or transgenderism but in more political terms. Yet who talks against, say, liquor or gambling? Those sins will likely destroy more lives, homes, and marriages than aberrant sexual behavior ever will.

   God wants nations to prosper, but He chastens nations where people are wicked. “He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.” (Psalm 107:32) God’s focus for America is not on any political leader, but on Christians who will humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.

   Are you saved but feel embarrassed to tell people? Don’t be. That’s a form of pride. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,” (Psalm 107:2) Do you pray for leaders to be saved? They have souls, too. They also make decisions that affect America. Do you pray for them to have Godly conviction? Our verse also says to pray and seek God’s face. How much time do you spend in prayer and God’s word?

   Do you strive to honor the Lord in your speech and conduct? Most importantly, do you tell people how to be saved? That is a Christian’s first duty: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) For a Christian not to tell people about Jesus is wicked. When people die without Jesus, they are in hell forever. You may tell people about your candidate, but do they know your Saviour? Political activity is not wrong, but sharing the gospel should be a Christian’s first priority.