When it comes to elections, people, especially Christians, more often than not, vote for the candidate who most represents their character, principles and values.
Now that the field of presidential candidates has been reduced to two likely choices representing each of their parties, many Christians are now promoting Trump in order to stop Hillary. This includes those whom Trump was not their first choice. They call it voting for the lesser of two evils.
Here's an example of the rallying cry these Christians are making for Trump:
They say President Barack Obama has brought our nation literally to the edge of death and destruction, which is true. They say that if Hillary Clinton is allowed by the American people to follow him, she will double down. They say if there is a Hillary presidency, there will be full-blown socialistic fascism in America within the next several years—we're talking Hitler-Mussolini style fascism.
Let’s leave the actual candidates aside for a moment. Considered in the abstract, what should a moral voter do? Does we have an obligation to vote according to our conscience — i.e., for the candidate who most closely embodies our beliefs? Or does we have an obligation to vote for the candidate we perceive as “the lesser of two evils,” the one of the two major-party nominees who is more likely to enact policies believes healthy for society?
I urge everyone to vote with his conscience, his heart and a little bit of the brain, instead of classifying all beliefs and placing your vote in the box for the Democrat or the Republican who can “win” the election. If you vote for who you think can win an election, you are doing a disservice to yourself, to your family and to our nation.
Consider that most of us believe it would be wrong to vote carelessly, without information and with prejudices. As philosopher Jason Brennan argues in his book ‘The Ethics of Voting’ - “Going to the ballot box utterly unprepared and making a minimally informed decision makes a mockery of democracy. If others were to do that as well — and we have an obligation to behave as if our own behavior were the model for everyone’s behavior — then cumulatively, those uninformed votes would elect bad governments. And that would harm society, abandoning our duty of care.”
Many in America believe we are on the right track to “Make America Great Again” while others are convinced the only way to restore America to its rightful place of honor is to acknowledge “I’m with her!”
There are others, however, who believe it’s just not that simple. They are disillusioned with what they see occurring in this country and don’t believe either party has the answer. Bill Cloud, author of “Esau Rising: Ancient Adversaries and the War for America’s Soul” and founder of Shoreshim Ministries, an organization which reintroduces Christians to the Jewish Y’shua through the Hebraic roots of their faith. Cloud says our early framers and founders invited God to enter into a covenant with America. Therefore, he believes, as a result of this covenant, “beyond a doubt, that God has raised this nation up” to serve “His purpose.”
Cloud believes that is why the founders “promoted the concept of choosing and electing virtuous, righteous men who had integrity” and those “whose virtues were impeccable. They weren’t perfect men but believed in perfect principles contained in the Scriptures.”
Cloud believes his “duty to the Kingdom of Heaven supersedes his civic duty to any nation” and that if we aren’t faithful to the duties of the Kingdom of Heaven, then “there won’t be a country” for us “to be faithful to.” Cloud says that “every choice and every decision we make in life matters and we will all have to give an account to God because of the choices we have made,” including how we vote.
“When it comes to spiritual principles…where in Scripture are we given the latitude to endorse what God says is wicked if we think it will help to defeat evil?… You don’t heal the land by trying to save yourself and do it the way you think it should be done. You heal the land by humbling yourself before God and seeking His face, turning from your wicked ways, that’s how the land is healed,” Cloud said.
When considering the question of choosing between the lesser of two evils, we must begin with what voting is within our system of government. In our system, citizen is an office; we too bear responsibility for the actions of the government. Just as the lordship of Christ made demands for public justice on office-holders in the New Testament (Luke 4:15), the same is true for those who rule as citizens.
The apostle Paul taught that the sword of Caesar is given by God to commend good and punish evil (Rom. 13:1-5). The Bible addresses the limits of this role, recounting those who use the sword in unjust ways and are held accountable to judgment (i.e. Revelation 13).
Are Christians content to vote for the lesser of two evils? The Republican Party sure seems to think so. Their battle cry of “Anyone but Obama” has been reverberating across the land for nearly two years now, but is that really the kind of philosophy that should determine the leader of our nation? John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, said that “it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” This election may be the very first election in the history of America in which neither of the presidential candidates from the two major parties can legitimately claim to be a Christian. Should the Christians of America be willing to vote for the lesser of two evils?
No! We should not. In Romans 3:7, Paul asks a question that has been the focus of countless debates throughout the whole of human history. If we know for sure that telling a lie would accomplish more for the Lord than telling the truth, would the lie be justified by the good that it could accomplish? Verse 8 of the same chapter gives us the answer to that question in saying that we are not to do evil that good may come. The answer of Romans 3:8 stands in stark contrast to the prevailing philosophy of our day which is based on Voltaire’s pragmatic doctrine of “the best is the enemy of the good.” This philosophy is often reflected in the political dogma of the major parties, but the answer of God’s Word is very clear. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.” (II Thessalonians 2:15)
Consider the instruction given to us in Romans 16:17-20:
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Let’s apply this to the particular topic of politics. In this passage, God tells us to mark certain politicians and avoid them – don’t follow them – don’t vote for them. Which ones? The ones who cause Christians to either divide or offend in a manner contrary to God’s Word. Notice that he doesn’t speak of all those who cause divisions and offenses, for even the Word of God causes division (Hebrews 4:12). It is only those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to God’s Word that we are to avoid. This could be someone who says: “We don’t need to be divided over the issue of whether abortion is right or wrong. We all agree that there should be fewer abortions, so let’s just join together to accomplish that goal. Let’s limit our divisions to things like who we want to win the Super Bowl.” This kind of politician is to be avoided. He serves not our Lord Jesus Christ, but his own belly, and he uses good works and fair speeches to deceive the people into following him. Now, verse 19 has direct application to today’s conservatives. Notice that God begins by praising them for being obedient and having a great testimony, but He said that He would yet have them do something more. He wanted them to be wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil. Notice that the contrast is between wisdom and simplicity not between knowledge and ignorance. The Bible tells us that a wise man “useth knowledge aright.” (Proverbs 15:2) Therefore, God’s desire for us is that we will use our knowledge of the candidates correctly by casting our vote unto that which is good. We are to be simple concerning evil in that we refuse to use our knowledge in a manner that helps these men who are causing divisions and offenses contrary to the Word of God. Each time that the Christians of our nation give in to Voltaire’s pragmatic approach of choosing the lesser of two evils, we make our plight more difficult. I am reminded of the nations which occupied the land of Israel after it was conquered by the king of Assyria. At first, these nations had no fear of the God of Israel, and they suffered major setbacks as a result, but then they came up with a compromise. They decided to learn about God and tell everyone that they feared Him while at the same time continuing to actually serve their own gods. II Kings 17:40-41 reveals to us the long-term results of that decision:
Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner. So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
The people of those nations chose a pragmatic compromise, and their descendants were never able to turn back from the course which had been set.
It is imperative that we remember the warning given in Hebrews 3:12-14.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
Here we see the true reason in deciding to vote according to God’s Word regardless of the consequences. A Christian who publicly refuses to vote for any candidate that does not adhere to biblical principles will have many people ask him how he can have any hope for the future of our nation when he chooses to vote in such a manner. What better opportunity could there be for teaching others that our hope is in the Lord? A man told me this: he had a friend who is an atheist, and he is a very difficult man to witness to; but “when I told him that I would not vote for a Trump or Hillary, he immediately wanted to know why. My simple stand on the principles of the Bible opened the door for a discussion on the work of God throughout the course of human history.”
Now, perhaps you are wondering why I skipped verse 15 in my quote from II Peter chapter 3. Verse 15 of this chapter provides us with a response to those who insist that we would do more harm than good if we refuse to vote for a liberal Republican candidate. This verse states:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
How about not voting, increasingly the choice made by a majority of eligible voters? Refusing to vote makes a statement, of course, but it is the statement of losers. It was Leon Trotsky (born Zev Bronstein) who quite correctly said, "You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you." The same can be said of politics. By not voting, you actually invest those who do vote with greater legitimacy, sway and control than they deserve. Control over you. By not voting, you choose evil, in other words.
If a Christian is not deciding, or helping to decide, an election (and Scripture very clearly tells us he is not), what is the vote to a Christian?
Whatever others may think, whatever the “powers that be” may think, all a vote is to a Christian is responding to an invitation by “the powers that be” to express something of what we believe about government. A vote is a message related to how government should be executed.
That message will be very imprecise. There is no box on the ballot that says, “Govern according to the principles laid out in Romans 13 and I Timothy 2.” That box is not there, I looked on my last ballot. If I vote for a candidate, no one knows WHY I did so. Does that mean it is useless? Again, no. We look to send a message that communicates something of value, a message our Lord and Master wants us to send, trusting Him to use it.
In conclusion, I say again, I urge everyone to vote with his conscience, his heart and a little bit of the brain, instead of classifying all beliefs and placing your vote in the box for the Democrat or the Republican who can “win” the election. If you vote for who you think can win an election, you are doing a disservice to yourself, to your family and to our nation. Look at third Party Candidates. Write some one in if your state allows it.
Consider that most of us believe it would be wrong to vote carelessly, without information and with prejudices. As philosopher Jason Brennan argues in his book ‘The Ethics of Voting’ - “Going to the ballot box utterly unprepared and making a minimally informed decision makes a mockery of democracy. If others were to do that as well — and we have an obligation to behave as if our own behavior were the model for everyone’s behavior — then cumulatively, those uninformed votes would elect bad governments. And that would harm society, abandoning our duty of care.”
Many in America believe we are on the right track to “Make America Great Again” while others are convinced the only way to restore America to its rightful place of honor is to acknowledge “I’m with her!”
There are others, however, who believe it’s just not that simple. They are disillusioned with what they see occurring in this country and don’t believe either party has the answer. Bill Cloud, author of “Esau Rising: Ancient Adversaries and the War for America’s Soul” and founder of Shoreshim Ministries, an organization which reintroduces Christians to the Jewish Y’shua through the Hebraic roots of their faith. Cloud says our early framers and founders invited God to enter into a covenant with America. Therefore, he believes, as a result of this covenant, “beyond a doubt, that God has raised this nation up” to serve “His purpose.”
Cloud believes that is why the founders “promoted the concept of choosing and electing virtuous, righteous men who had integrity” and those “whose virtues were impeccable. They weren’t perfect men but believed in perfect principles contained in the Scriptures.”
Cloud believes his “duty to the Kingdom of Heaven supersedes his civic duty to any nation” and that if we aren’t faithful to the duties of the Kingdom of Heaven, then “there won’t be a country” for us “to be faithful to.” Cloud says that “every choice and every decision we make in life matters and we will all have to give an account to God because of the choices we have made,” including how we vote.
“When it comes to spiritual principles…where in Scripture are we given the latitude to endorse what God says is wicked if we think it will help to defeat evil?… You don’t heal the land by trying to save yourself and do it the way you think it should be done. You heal the land by humbling yourself before God and seeking His face, turning from your wicked ways, that’s how the land is healed,” Cloud said.
When considering the question of choosing between the lesser of two evils, we must begin with what voting is within our system of government. In our system, citizen is an office; we too bear responsibility for the actions of the government. Just as the lordship of Christ made demands for public justice on office-holders in the New Testament (Luke 4:15), the same is true for those who rule as citizens.
The apostle Paul taught that the sword of Caesar is given by God to commend good and punish evil (Rom. 13:1-5). The Bible addresses the limits of this role, recounting those who use the sword in unjust ways and are held accountable to judgment (i.e. Revelation 13).
Are Christians content to vote for the lesser of two evils? The Republican Party sure seems to think so. Their battle cry of “Anyone but Obama” has been reverberating across the land for nearly two years now, but is that really the kind of philosophy that should determine the leader of our nation? John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, said that “it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” This election may be the very first election in the history of America in which neither of the presidential candidates from the two major parties can legitimately claim to be a Christian. Should the Christians of America be willing to vote for the lesser of two evils?
No! We should not. In Romans 3:7, Paul asks a question that has been the focus of countless debates throughout the whole of human history. If we know for sure that telling a lie would accomplish more for the Lord than telling the truth, would the lie be justified by the good that it could accomplish? Verse 8 of the same chapter gives us the answer to that question in saying that we are not to do evil that good may come. The answer of Romans 3:8 stands in stark contrast to the prevailing philosophy of our day which is based on Voltaire’s pragmatic doctrine of “the best is the enemy of the good.” This philosophy is often reflected in the political dogma of the major parties, but the answer of God’s Word is very clear. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.” (II Thessalonians 2:15)
Consider the instruction given to us in Romans 16:17-20:
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Let’s apply this to the particular topic of politics. In this passage, God tells us to mark certain politicians and avoid them – don’t follow them – don’t vote for them. Which ones? The ones who cause Christians to either divide or offend in a manner contrary to God’s Word. Notice that he doesn’t speak of all those who cause divisions and offenses, for even the Word of God causes division (Hebrews 4:12). It is only those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to God’s Word that we are to avoid. This could be someone who says: “We don’t need to be divided over the issue of whether abortion is right or wrong. We all agree that there should be fewer abortions, so let’s just join together to accomplish that goal. Let’s limit our divisions to things like who we want to win the Super Bowl.” This kind of politician is to be avoided. He serves not our Lord Jesus Christ, but his own belly, and he uses good works and fair speeches to deceive the people into following him. Now, verse 19 has direct application to today’s conservatives. Notice that God begins by praising them for being obedient and having a great testimony, but He said that He would yet have them do something more. He wanted them to be wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil. Notice that the contrast is between wisdom and simplicity not between knowledge and ignorance. The Bible tells us that a wise man “useth knowledge aright.” (Proverbs 15:2) Therefore, God’s desire for us is that we will use our knowledge of the candidates correctly by casting our vote unto that which is good. We are to be simple concerning evil in that we refuse to use our knowledge in a manner that helps these men who are causing divisions and offenses contrary to the Word of God. Each time that the Christians of our nation give in to Voltaire’s pragmatic approach of choosing the lesser of two evils, we make our plight more difficult. I am reminded of the nations which occupied the land of Israel after it was conquered by the king of Assyria. At first, these nations had no fear of the God of Israel, and they suffered major setbacks as a result, but then they came up with a compromise. They decided to learn about God and tell everyone that they feared Him while at the same time continuing to actually serve their own gods. II Kings 17:40-41 reveals to us the long-term results of that decision:
Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner. So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
The people of those nations chose a pragmatic compromise, and their descendants were never able to turn back from the course which had been set.
It is imperative that we remember the warning given in Hebrews 3:12-14.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
Here we see the true reason in deciding to vote according to God’s Word regardless of the consequences. A Christian who publicly refuses to vote for any candidate that does not adhere to biblical principles will have many people ask him how he can have any hope for the future of our nation when he chooses to vote in such a manner. What better opportunity could there be for teaching others that our hope is in the Lord? A man told me this: he had a friend who is an atheist, and he is a very difficult man to witness to; but “when I told him that I would not vote for a Trump or Hillary, he immediately wanted to know why. My simple stand on the principles of the Bible opened the door for a discussion on the work of God throughout the course of human history.”
Now, perhaps you are wondering why I skipped verse 15 in my quote from II Peter chapter 3. Verse 15 of this chapter provides us with a response to those who insist that we would do more harm than good if we refuse to vote for a liberal Republican candidate. This verse states:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
How about not voting, increasingly the choice made by a majority of eligible voters? Refusing to vote makes a statement, of course, but it is the statement of losers. It was Leon Trotsky (born Zev Bronstein) who quite correctly said, "You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you." The same can be said of politics. By not voting, you actually invest those who do vote with greater legitimacy, sway and control than they deserve. Control over you. By not voting, you choose evil, in other words.
If a Christian is not deciding, or helping to decide, an election (and Scripture very clearly tells us he is not), what is the vote to a Christian?
Whatever others may think, whatever the “powers that be” may think, all a vote is to a Christian is responding to an invitation by “the powers that be” to express something of what we believe about government. A vote is a message related to how government should be executed.
That message will be very imprecise. There is no box on the ballot that says, “Govern according to the principles laid out in Romans 13 and I Timothy 2.” That box is not there, I looked on my last ballot. If I vote for a candidate, no one knows WHY I did so. Does that mean it is useless? Again, no. We look to send a message that communicates something of value, a message our Lord and Master wants us to send, trusting Him to use it.
In conclusion, I say again, I urge everyone to vote with his conscience, his heart and a little bit of the brain, instead of classifying all beliefs and placing your vote in the box for the Democrat or the Republican who can “win” the election. If you vote for who you think can win an election, you are doing a disservice to yourself, to your family and to our nation. Look at third Party Candidates. Write some one in if your state allows it.
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