In a time when political decisions profoundly affect our communities, it’s essential to prioritize policies over personalities. As Christians, we look to Scripture to guide us in making choices that honor God and reflect His righteousness. Here are seven key issues grounded in Biblical principles, which we should consider as we evaluate candidates.
"I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." - Frederick Douglass
- Judges
Isaiah 1:26 - "I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."
Righteous judges can bring integrity and justice to a nation. The appointment of judges impacts not only today but future generations, shaping the moral and legal landscape. Which candidate will appoint judges who uphold righteousness and justice?
- Support for Israel
Genesis 12:3 - "I will bless those who bless [Israel], and I will curse him who curses [Israel]; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Supporting Israel does not mean endorsing every action it takes, but it does mean acknowledging God’s covenant with Israel and His promise of blessing to those who support it. As we evaluate candidates, we should consider who will uphold this Biblical alliance.
- Border Security and Immigration
Acts 17:26 - "[God] has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings."
Zechariah 7:10 - "Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother."
Scripture supports both the establishment of borders and the compassionate treatment of immigrants. Which candidate will best uphold both the security of our borders and the fair, lawful path for immigrants seeking a new life?
- Religious Liberty
Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before Me."
Religious liberty is foundational for Christians, allowing us to prioritize allegiance to God above all else. This "conscience clause" has implications for Christian business owners, healthcare providers, and employees. We should consider which candidate will protect our freedom to live out our faith.
- Biological Sex
Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
God created each person uniquely as male or female. Supporting a Biblical understanding of gender aligns with His design and promotes mental and emotional well-being. Which candidate respects and upholds the God-given distinctions of biological gender?
- Family and Parental Rights
Psalm 127:3 - "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
Parental rights are being challenged today, with laws emerging that undermine family autonomy. For example, recent legislation allows courts to overrule parental objections in decisions about "gender-affirming care." Which candidate will support the God-given authority of parents to guide their children?
- Sanctity of Life
Acts 3:15 (ESV) - God is called "the Author of life."
Proverbs 6:17 - "God hates hands that shed innocent blood."
The sanctity of life is paramount, yet today no candidate fully represents a pro-life stance. While neither major party currently champions life as we might hope, we should seek the candidate whose policies most closely reflect a pro-life perspective.
"You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you didn't know" attributed to William Wilberforce
As we approach election decisions, let’s prayerfully consider these issues. The impact of our choices reaches beyond individual preference; it shapes our society and future generations. By prioritizing policies over personalities, we honor God and contribute to a legacy of righteousness.
Posted in Christian Citizenship