As a Pastor I am often approached by candidates during the election year who would like me to help endorse their agenda or campaign and many times rely on my level of influence to further their hope of being elected.
A while back I came across some helpful hints that I have used ever since and would like to pass them along to you. Here’s how I process my decision on voting and what I look for in political candidates running for any office. Here are a few things to consider:
- Don’t select a candidate by party affiliation, for all parties have both good and corrupt individuals within the organization.
- Don’t select a candidate by their appearance, popularity, or money.
- Don’t select a candidate by what they say or promise they will do, for this is often meaningless when they get into office.
- Don’t select a candidate just because you know them, or some friend knows them.
- Don’t select a candidate because of their intellect or the most experience in politics.
- Don’t select a candidate because they say they are Christian…most profess this during election year.
The best candidate to choose is the committed, qualified, God-fearing Christian who is seeking office not to further their own interests, but to please God and to serve their community, state, or nation justly and honestly.
In many cases, the electorate may not have the choice of a qualified, born again Christian candidate! What do you look for then? First, we have to inquire more about the candidate & learn their qualifications: Does the person have an affiliation with a church or Christian organization? But, more importantly, what is their character like? Behind the scenes is just as important as in the spotlight. Are they a person of Godly standards, principles and have Godly morals? Are they seeking to serve the electorate as a statesman? Finally, are they honest? Are they humble? Are they willing to stand up for what is right even though it may cost them the election?
When you have a comparison of the qualifications of the candidate, pray and ask God to give you wisdom about the matter, particularly if two or more candidates seem to be equal in their qualifications. Once you feel sure of the answer in your heart, promote and endorse the person of God’s choice and then be sure to vote.
I also understand that many times the choice seems impossible to make; neither candidate is a good choice. What do we do in such a case? Ask yourself: Which person would the devil want more in this office? Upon determining that, vote for the other candidate, the lesser evil of the two.
Lastly remember, by praying and fasting with God’s people for our nation, we present a channel through which God can work.
Chuck Pelham
Sources
John G. Talcott, Jr., Former President of Intercessors for America.
