Political polarization (e.g. Republicans vs. Democrats) among Christians is the direct result of sacrificing a biblical worldview on the altar of political fancy.
Were God allowed to have a voice, even the most cursory examination of biblical truth would reveal that at some point along the way God’s teachings step on the toes of all political parties–Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Green Party, etc. etc.
This being true, the question for biblically informed Christians is not what political party to support, but which political agenda most glorifies and honors the values God espouses in His Word?
The third commandment states, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” This commandment has often been construed as a prohibition of all forms of cussing, from four-letter words to non-glorifying references to Jesus Christ. And just like that we excuse it: “God said not to cuss, so you better nor cuss.”
That’s not how the Hebrews heard it. The Hebrew mind knew that God’s name was interchangeable with God’s person, and that to take His name meant to voluntarily identify yourself as His follower. So to take His name in vain means to identify yourself as a follower of God, but then not abide by God’s rules and regulations or believe what God tells you to believe. In other words, calling yourself a follower of God but not acting and believing like a follower of God.
But what if I don’t know what the Bible teaches on certain moral and social issues? Can I just vote according to how I was raised, or what I think is best? You can, but you would be committing spiritual treason against our Lord Jesus Christ by taking His name in vain.
Being a Christian obligates you to uphold Christian beliefs, values, and principles, and in an election year, to support candidates whose platforms most closely mirror the teachings of Scripture. If you don’t know what Scripture says about abortion, the economy, war, education, size of government, appointing judges, or foreign policy, then you truly do not know where to stand on political issues. You may think you do, but in God’s eyes you don’t.
But the answers are there. Take time to read, research, and compile from Scripture a list of guiding convictions according to which you need to vote this November. Then read, research, and compile a list of issues each candidate stands for, and vote for the candidate whose values, beliefs, and convictions, and past records most closely mirror that of Scripture.
Then every four years, reevaluate your political party affiliation to make sure that the candidates and issues you support glorify and honor God.
THAT’s the Christian thing to do.
