Monday, October 19, 2020

How Would Jesus Vote? (Part 2)

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” – Psalm 89:14

Since Jesus isn’t running for office, when it comes to voting, followers of Christ have to do the next best thing: determine the heart of Christ on the issues, and prayerfully determine which political candidate, party, and propositions are most in sync with his heart.

Above all, remember this: As Christians we are called to lead people to Christ—not to an elephant or a donkey. However you decide to vote, don’t allow your politics to sabotage your witness to unbelievers or your fellowship with believers. Our loyalty must be to Christ, not to a political party.

In Psalm 89:14a, the psalmist summarizes God’s perfect government this way: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” When God rules, He always does what is right. And He always does what is just. Looking at the two party platforms, Republicans tend to identify with Christ’s heart for righteousness: for example, the sanctity of human life and the importance of marriage and family. Democrats tend to identify with Christ’s heart for justice: for example, the goals of ending poverty and achieving racial justice and equality. Both parties have some admirable goals. But now, let’s look at two areas where each party is Biblically wrong.

Democratic Policy Position #1: Promoting abortion. The Democratic party platform makes it clear that the party wants to expand access to and funding for abortions. They use the terms “reproductive health” and “reproductive justice,” even though 99% of abortions have nothing to do with the mother’s health and 100% of abortions are “unjust” to the innocent child. And statistics show that more African-American lives are lost to abortion each year in the U.S. than every other single cause of death combined. Make no mistake about it: Abortion is evil, and the face that the Democratic party supports it is inexcusable.

Democratic Policy Position #2: Promoting LGBTQ+. Throughout the Democratic party platform, you will see the term “LGBTQ+” used over and over again. The Bible is very clear in Genesis 1 and 2 that there are two genders, male and female. These chapters make it equally clear that marriage is between one man and one woman, and sex is to take place only between a husband and his wife. But over the past few years, the Democratic party has been obsessed with normalizing, promoting and celebrating sexual perversion. And that grieves the heart of Christ.

The great sin of the Democratic party is calling evil “good” and good “evil.” On the other hand, I believe the great sin of the Republican party is HYPOCRISY. James 4:17 describes that sin very well: “Therefore, anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” Here are two examples:

Republican Policy Position #1: Speaking out against abortion but not being fully pro-life. Being pro-life isn’t just about speaking out against abortion. It means reaching out to and mentoring young women BEFORE they get pregnant, compassionately providing them with necessary supplies and health care AFTER they become pregnant, and helping women PROVIDE for their children once the child is born. Yelling “Abortion is murder!” is easy. But we must be willing to put our time and money where our mouth is. Many churches do this very well, but the Republican party … not so much.

Republican Policy Position #2: Speaking up for traditional marriage and two-parent families, but doing very little to support them. The Republican party platform states: “Every child deserves a married mom and dad, and our laws and government regulations should actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society.” The party correctly identifies the breakdown of the American family as the #1 cause of poverty, drug abuse, crime and teenage pregnancy. But it’s not enough to IDENTIFY the problem. Leadership is about implementing solutions to FIX the problem. And too often, the Republican Party has talked the talk without walking the walk.

Regardless of whether you are a registered Republican, Democrat or Independent, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, he has called you to take a stand for righteousness and justice in your political party. Even if you are outnumbered, speak up for the issues that matter most to your Lord, and pray for God to raise up leaders who honor Him.

Dane Davis is the Pastor of Impact Christian Church. Please join us for our live outdoor worship service tomorrow at 9 a.m. at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville. Or, join us online at 10 a.m. on our YouTube channel (Impact Christian Church) or on Facebook.


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