How To Vote Like A Christian

OK.  Election day is upon us and this year is a real stinker.  If, somehow, you have missed the wrangling and fighting, the (entirely valid) character attacks on both sides, or the vicious attack ads then I assume your Amish....and what are you doing reading this?   If not, then you know that when I say that this year is a real stinker then you know that I mean three month old rotten fish mixed with raw sewage stink.  None the less, when the polls open it is our privilege, duty, and right to go to the polls and vote...like it or not. So, who do we vote for as Christians and how do we decide?

Let me be absolutely clear:  I am not here to endorse a candidate, tell you to vote republican, democrat, or even third party. I will even go so far as to say I am not here to even convince you TO vote.  I am here to say, that as Christians, we have to vote like Christians.  What does that mean?

If you are anything like the rest of us, it means you are confused.  Here are some things I believe you have to do to vote like a Christian (read all the way through to follow the directions):

1.  Know the issues, not the talking points. Politicians are great at hiding agendas and burying their intentions.  Know the salient issues at hand and know how the candidate you are looking at plans to administrate.  Don't count on the campaigns to give you this information from their "list of things they want voters to think about"...or "talking points".   This is your job to figure out, not their job to explain.  Their job is to win.  Your job is to deliberate.
2.  Examine the character of the candidates. Boy, this year you may want to wear gloves when you do this.  These two are pretty toxic when it comes to scandals and immoral and amoral behavior.  None the less, take a breath and do an impartial evaluation of what we know and don't know.  Don't assume that the press is telling you the whole story in the headlines.  Remember the headlines are there to grab the attention of the  masses and make the media outlets money.  You may have to dig.
3.  Prioritize the issues as you see them.  Making decisions based on one issue, unless that issue really is the most important thing ever in the history of humanity is really not a good idea, but you should know which issues you think are the most important in your opinion and be willing to consider how the candidates would prioritize the issues themselves.  Just because they agree with you on an issue does not mean it is a priority for them.
4.  Know why you are voting.  Maybe you want to vote for one or another because after looking at the issues, their character, and their priorities you really want that candidate in office.  Maybe you look at the two of them and you want neither, instead you want to support the notion of a third party. Maybe you look at them and cannot bring yourself to vote for either so you want to abstain as a form of protest (although if you are trying to send a signal please consider a third party).  One way or another know why you are voting the way your are.  It is not enough to just vote along with the crowd you socialize with.
5. Vote your conscience.  You are making a decision that affects billions of people.  It is a good moment to follow your conscience.  Remember voting for someone or something you think is evil in order to accomplish something good...even if they are less evil than the alternative is still supporting evil.  Know if that is a bargain your conscience can live with.
6.  Faith.  Here is the part that sets Christian voters aside from all other voters.  Before you do the five steps above pray.  Ask God to help and guide you.  Ask God what issues matter to the Kingdom of God. Look at the character of the candidates though the lens of scripture to see how God sees their character.  Get help prioritizing the issues:  search the Scriptures, talk to your Pastor, ask God for guidance in prayer, and discuss things with your fellow Christians.  Know how your faith affects your vote and vote your conscience once you are, as much as you can be, sure that your conscience is in line with God's.

Finally remember you are not of this world.  You are of God's Kingdom and as such you are God's ambassadors in this world.  You represent the Kingdom of God in all that you do and say.  Make sure your voting reflects that.


How to vote like a Boss  Christian:
Don't vote for the candidate you think is good for your community.
Don't vote for the candidate you think is good for your country.
Don't vote for the candidate you think is good for the world.
Do vote for the candidate you think the Holy Spirit is calling you to vote for.

Finally when all is said and done remember that as a Christian voter, or Christian anything, your practice of grace, love, and mercy are what identify you as one of God's children.  Be gracious to your fellow Christians who have voted, and know that many have struggled as much as you.  Even if you disagree, be united in knowing that you have both done your best to serve Christ in this and as such, fulfilled your duty your country, each other, and God.  And remember to pray for whoever wins, they will need it.