QUALIFIED CANDIDATES
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2
As citizens of this great country, we are privileged to exercise our constitutional right to vote for the political candidates of our choice. As our country moves further along the road that leads away from righteousness, it seems the election process is increasingly more critical. Who will lead our nation? Too many Christians are inactive and apathetic about this important matter. The Scripture teaches us that it is wise to select leaders who are righteous. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Morality certainly matters when it comes to serving in public office. Why would a Christian cast his vote for someone who approves of same-sex marriage, endorses abortion rights, or does not defend the display of the Ten Commandments? These are only a few issues, but they represent the fact that the value system of candidates should be of supreme importance to us when we vote.
When our nation was founded, the majority of those who framed our founding documents feared God and honored His Word. When God was instructing David about those who would lead Israel, He said, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (II Samuel 23:3). Ours would be a stronger nation if we had more elected officials who feared the Lord and were truthful and just. Too often, politicians are insincere and will stand for anything if there is personal gain to be had. It is refreshing to find public servants who have strong convictions about important issues, beginning with the crucial moral issues that affect our families and our future.
Those who claim that religion has no place in politics should not intimidate us. They are ignorant of the Bible, and they are also uninformed concerning our nation’s heritage. Benjamin Franklin said, “He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity, will change the face of the world.”
We should pray for leaders that are not ashamed of their faith and their moral standards. We should also let our political leaders know of our concerns and inform them of the issues that are vital to us. A commitment to the sanctity of life, the preservation of the traditional family, and financial responsibility are qualities we need in our elected officials.