The Weekly Encourager – February 4, 2016 – Speaking of Political Candidates…

What do you think about our nation's current candidates for president? Each day's news seems to reveal a new reason to shake my head. Seriously? It's all too easy to think of witty yet cutting remarks about these people because of what they are saying and how they are behaving. After all, I love to make my friends laugh!

What does God think about these political candidates? No, I'm not going to tell you how to vote. I am going to share a few verses from God's Word which I believe are relevant to this campaign. I've been surprised by the way some Christians are speaking of the men and women running for office.

Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings.” Daniel 2:20-21

Anyone who reads the Bible should know that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” Daniel 4:17 That last phrase is shocking! For His own reasons, sometimes God allows “the lowliest of people” to be the highest in authority. God is sovereign over all things, including this election. Of course we can work hard to try to elect men and women of honor, but in the end, we must honor all, even if we view them as “lowly.”

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1-2

“[Neither] thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:10 Does it appear that some candidates are greedy swindlers? Note that God puts slanderers (revilers) in the same list! Therefore, if we slander someone, we're just as bad as they are. It's hard, but we must strive to protect the reputations of others, as we would want them to do for us.

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Proverbs 26:4 If we call someone an idiot, we are just as foolish as they are. One day, “people will give account for every careless word they speak.” Matthew 12:36

“For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, faith.” Galatians 5:22-23 Does our speech reflect the Spirit of God in our hearts?

Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and not just those of your political persuasion. “Love your enemies!” Mark 12:33; Matthew 5:44

All people are made in God's image; therefore we must respect all, whether or not we agree with them. We are not to lie, but to find a charitable way to express our views, or just remain silent. If the Lord has allowed us to discern that a particular candidate is uninformed, selfish, dishonest, proud, or foolish, then we are allowed an equal opportunity to pray for them. If you see something, pray something!

If we spent half as much time praying for the candidates as we do criticizing them, we'd be far better off as individuals and as a nation. Just saying.

God is faithful,
j