As Christians, we are called to be a light and a force for good—a reflection of Christ to the world. To do so, we must know what the Word of God says, and do our best to promote and live its message, in every arena—politics included.

I recently enjoyed a conversation with an accomplished college-aged nephew of mine regarding the current political climate in our country. It was a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation. Later that night, it occurred to me we had neglected to consider things from a spiritual perspective. We should have started the conversation with a “big picture” question like: What does God want for the world? What issues matter to Him? Is there a right way for me to vote as a Christian? I wondered, could we know the answers to these questions? And how would our answers impact our political decisions?

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of Christ to the world. That means we must know what the Word of God says and do our best to promote and live its message—in every arena.

The Bible is clear on these things:

• God wants Christians to stand on, and for, the truths found in His Word.
• God wants us to love one another—people of every nation, race, and creed.
• God wants all people of the world to be reconciled to Him through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Standing firm on biblical truth, loving our fellow man and spreading the gospel message, are themes found repeatedly throughout the Bible. But what does biblical truth have to do with politics?

When we choose causes and candidates to support, we must consider whether those causes or candidates line up with the values in the Word of God. For example, God’s Word is clear on the sanctity of all human life:

“For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

God is for life—from the womb to the grave.

But how do we reconcile God’s mandate to love our neighbors—people from all around the globe— and to help the needy, with some of the political decisions that have to be made regarding immigration and other social issues? God’s Word says:

“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:39) (NIV)

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you. . . ?’ The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.'”   Matthew 22:35-40 (NIV)

But when it comes to immigration and other social issues, it’s not always clear. In other words, just as parents must make difficult decisions about their children that may seem unkind at the outset; in life, and in politics, we also must make hard choices for the ultimate good of those we are called to love. The easiest or most obvious path is not always the best for the people involved.

What about religious freedom? There is a tide of Christian persecution and discrimination sweeping across our country. As believers, we are to share the life-changing gospel message with everyone we can. How will sharing be possible going forward if we don’t fight to protect religious freedom now? Where does your candidate stand on this issue? The parting words of Jesus to his disciples, before he ascended to heaven, clearly state our mission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you to the very end of the age,” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Whether we are voting, donating, holding signs on a street corner or just conversing with a friend, we need to be sure to search the Word and take time to hear from the Lord concerning these important issues. Consider prayerfully which candidate to support. Don’t be caught casting your lot with someone whose platform is in opposition to the truth of God’s Word.

Remember, satan is cunning—a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. His current mission is to convince the next generation that truth is relative—you live your truth and I’ll live mine. As believers, we need to know what the Word of God says and be unwavering in our defense of it as absolute truth. Parents and grandparents today must not look the other way or think that others will stand up for what’s right. Parents and grandparents, we still have influence. We still have a responsibility to teach the younger generation that God’s Word is the standard for all areas of life. Don’t give up the fight.

What does biblical truth have to do with politics? It has everything to do with it. Consider God’s Word in this election year and don’t forget to vote!

“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is truth.” Psalms 119:142 (NKJV)

“The entirety of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.” Psalms 119:160 (NKJV)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)