The 2020 presidential election is fast approaching. Tonight the two presidential candidates faced each other in the first presidential debate before the November election. Joe Biden and Donald Trump attempted to make their case before the nation. Emotions were flaring as the whole nation watched the two men who knowingly despise (to put it mildly) each other debate. But, as if we could swift through all of the interruptions and jabs, who will lead the country starting in 2021? We’ll have to wait and see.

However, Christians and Americans from all faiths will have to decide who to vote for in November. Of course, some may even choose not to vote. But such a right should be celebrated as an exercise in freedom. I offer here a word to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lately, I have been asked the following question by many of my fellow Christians: How should Christians vote in 2020? Well, here are a few thoughts.

Thoughts on Voting

If you follow my blog you may conclude I’m conservative on religious and moral issues. However, I do not wholesale adopt the Republican platform. For instance, though I think some aspects of the American Dream are valuable, its materialistic emphasis stands in opposition to the Gospel. Though I believe the Constitution is an amazing document, it is not the Word of God. It is not infallible, inerrant, and inspired by the Holy Spirit (theopneustos – 2 Timothy 3:16). Though I believe America has and should continue to be a force for peace in the world, its efforts will never bring about lasting world peace. Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), is the only one capable of accomplishing such reality, and will one day restore all world peace at his second coming.

Christians must understand that our values are not of this world, whether they choose to vote Democrat or Republican. We are citizens of the kingdom of heaven before we are citizens of any earthly country, including America. You and I are aliens. We are foreigners, who like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, look forward to arriving at our celestial destination: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth … Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13 and 16).

With this in mind, we must understand that our minds must be set on things above, and not things on earthly things (Colossians 3: 1–3). Voting is important, but it is an earthly duty. Voting should be taken seriously, but not as serious as the gospel. Voting is important, but our allegiance should fully belong to Christ above all things.

Thoughts on the 2020 Presidential election

The Democrat and Republican platforms are driven by certain ideologies. Neither are fully aligned with Christian values. However, as most are already aware, the 2020 presidential election may unfold lasting ramifications for the future of America. With this in mind, I believe Christians should vote in the following ways in 2020:

First, we should vote prayerfully. Paul instructed young Timothy and the church to pray for government leadership. Paul wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” In the next month, we should pray for federal, state, and local elections. We should also pray for the future of the Supreme court. By the way, local elections are often times more consequential than federal elections. Pay attention to who is on the ballot for your local mayoral and state government positions.

Second, we should vote watchfully. In other words, we should seek to inform ourselves of the various issues espoused by the two main political parties in our country. Have you visited the DNC and RNC websites and read over their platforms? Did you know the RNC is keeping its 2016 platform and the DNC has put together a new platform for 2020? The reality is that most people do not bother to read over each of the parties’ platforms. I do not blame you if you fall into that category since the DNC platform is almost 100 pages long and the RNC’s is 54! But we should.

If you are not familiar with the DNC and RNC platforms, you can just click on these links:

DNC PLATFORM: https://www.demconvention.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-07-31-Democratic-Party-Platform-For-Distribution.pdf

RNC PLATFORM: https://ballotpedia.org/The_Republican_Party_Platform,_2020

Third, we should vote objectively. We should lay our emotions aside and objectively analyze the issues, not the persons that represent each of the political parties (i.e. Joe Biden and Donald Trump). We should seek to be prudent, which means we need to be informed. Proverbs 13:16 says, “In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.” It is important to educate ourselves about the political record of each candidate. However, one small step you can take is to simply read the Preamble of the DNC and RNC platforms.

A few excerpts taken from the Preamble of both parties:

The Democrats:

“Democrats will fight to repair the soul of this nation. To unite and to heal our country. To turn this crisis into a crucible, from which we will forge a stronger, brighter, and more equitable future … When the American people go to the polls this fall, we will be choosing more than a candidate. Character is on the ballot in this election. The character of our President, yes, but more than that: the character of our democracy, our society, and our leadership in the world (p. 5). We must heal our nation’s deepest wounds, not fan the flames of hate. Democrats will root out structural and systemic racism in our economy and our society, and reform our criminal justice system from top to bottom, because we believe Black lives matter (p. 6). Democrats call on all Americans to come together and seize this last, best chance to restore the soul of our nation—and vote this November to ensure our greatest days are still to come (p. 7).

The Republicans:

We dedicate this platform: To all who stand strong in the face of danger / So that the American people may be protected against it — The men and women of our military, of our law enforcement, and the first responders of every community in our land — And to their families (cover page). We believe in American exceptionalism. We believe the United States of America is unlike any other nation on earth … This platform lays out — in clear language — the path to making America great and united again (p. i). This platform is many things: A handbook for returning decision-making to the people. A guide to the constitutional rights of every American. And a manual for the kind of sustained growth that will bring opportunity to all those on the sidelines of our society (p. ii).

The Family Research Council has created a Party Platform Comparison Chart for 2020. I believe it may be helpful for you to investigate it and see where each platform stands on certain issues; especially issues of faith, family and freedom in public policy and the culture from a Christian worldview: https://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF18H05.pdf

Fourth, we should vote respectfully. We live in the age of disrespect. There’s a high level of disrespect for authority in our culture. Disrespect for government is at an all time high as police officers have been killed, violent riots have ensued, and as political vitriol dominates the public forum. This must not be so in the church! We should set the example of what it means to be respectful. If we model Christ’s attitude to the world we will increase our gospel witness (Philippians 2:5). There will be people in your close circles that will vote differently than you. Respect their choice!

A few Scriptural reminders:

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Matthew 5:43–45 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Philippians 2:3–4 – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

1 Peter 2:17 – “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Fifth, we should vote thankfully. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We often forget that we are blessed to live in a free society where we can express our opinions and enjoy our rights and freedom without being persecuted by the government.

We must not forget the privilege it is to be able to vote. It was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote nationwide. Native Americans were not granted the right to vote until 1924. And it was not until 1964, with the passing of the Civil Rights Act, that African American men and women were granted full voting rights. America’s sins have marred its history. But today, every man and woman, regardless of race, religion, or education are allowed to vote.

Above all things let us heed the words of the Apostle Paul:

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him – Colossians 3:15–17

May Christ, his gospel of peace, his joy, his love, and his will, reign supreme as we get ready for the imminent changes in our nation. Let us not forget the gospel is our platform, Jesus is our Lord, and God is ultimately in control of every single detail of our lives and our nation … regardless of who wins come November!

Written by Daniel Messina

Read another one of my articles: https://thepreachersdevoblog.com/fourth-of-july-reflections/