Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
America is just a few days away from important national, state and local elections. These elections will likely chart the direction of our nation for years to come. Why? Simply because the respective platforms display stark contrasts.
In today’s article we’d like to cover biblical truths that apply to two of the most hotly contested issues: 1) abortion and marriage/family; and 2) the rule of law.
The overarching biblical principle at stake in this election is whether or not God should be allowed into the public square. If God is our Creator and Sustainer, it seems reasonable to think that we would look to him for guidance in our affairs, both private and public.
Before we begin, two important points:
First, it’s essential to recognize the importance of evaluating the respective platforms of the parties, not just the candidates themselves. The vote for President of the United States should not be a personality or popularity contest. What’s critical to consider are the stated policies that the candidates tell us they will follow.
Secondly, while the rightness or wrongness of one issue may be clear from Scripture, others are not so straightforward. There is huge debate about issues like the economy, national defense, gun control, and illegal immigration, but good people on opposite sides of the issue may differ in their opinion. We don’t believe that the Bible provides clear evidence that would end the debate on any of these issues.
Abortion and Marriage/Family:
One platform takes a pro-life stance; the other platform advocates pro-choice, the woman’s right to choose. Regarding marriage and family, one one platform supports the view that marriage is between one man and one woman and that the institution of marriage should continue as it has for centuries. They also believe that the rearing of children should be along the lines of traditional values. The other platform holds to the view that a person should marry the “individual they love” and that the traditional family should only be one of several choices
depending on what people decide.
Scripture is very clear on these issues. Life begins at conception and abortion is murder (See Ps 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4,5). Marriage is between one man and one woman (See Gen 2:24, Mt 19:5). Marriage and family are the foundational building blocks of American society. A Democratic victory will likely alter marriage and family in substantial ways.
Rule of Law:
No sane person wants to see racism in our country. Peaceful protesting is legal under our laws, but rioting, looting, and destruction of property is not. At stake in this election is the future direction of law enforcement and whether or not American citizens will be safe, a responsibility of government.
Scripture is clear on the need to submit to the established authorities in this country. This would certain include the requirement for people to obey the men and women who work in law enforcement.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment (Romans 13:1,2 – ESV).
America can’t be a civilized society without rule of law. No one, even leaders in law enforcement, claim that all law enforcement is carried out perfectly. There needs to be an openness to change and new ways that will help law-enforcement to be carried out in the most effective manner possible. However, our country can’t continue to tolerate groups that seem to hate America and are working hard to tear it down.
Let me conclude. We can’t remember an election in the last few decades that matches the clear contrasts in future direction between two political parties. The battle lines are drawn, and the people will decide. Please continue to become as informed as possible about the issues and to pray about how you should vote.
None of this will matter, however, if you don’t vote. Please exercise your right and responsibility to cast your vote in this year’s elections
The Warriors Journey Team