Political rhetoric is always charged and every year seems to establish a new high-water mark for personal destruction. This year’s mark has been set by the use of a phrase we don’t hear much in Presidential elections: Unfit to be President. And it’s being lobbed from both sides.
This is a good indicator that the political divide may be wider and deeper than ever. And here’s the thing: After November 8, one side will have won, the other will have lost. And the divide will likely grow.
What’s a believer to do if on the losing side? Or even on the winning side? Actually, this question is answered for us. Pray for our leaders. But here’s the rub: pray for them as if you’re on their side, whether you are or not. This doesn’t mean agree with them and it doesn’t mean we don’t stand up for our political views. But Scripture does ask believers to adhere to certain standards in the civic arena. Below are a couple samples of these Scriptures along with a list of 10 Election Season Tips for maintaining biblical standards in a turbulent election season. You’ll also see an image version of the list for an easy click-to-save.
Read the Scriptures first, but with an added twist: read them in light of the current election season.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Romans 13:1-8
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Election Season Tips for Maintaining Biblical Standards (Titus 3:1; Romans 13:1-8)
- Pray for government leaders (and candidates!) no matter their political affiliation.
- Slander no one. No matter how much you want the other side to look bad, keep it honest.
- Be peaceable. Know the difference between actual spirited discussion and air quote “spirited discussion.”
- Be considerate. Smart and reasonable people believe differently than you. Speak confidently, but with the knowledge you might be wrong.
- Be gentle toward everyone. This includes those who have misrepresented your views.
- Whether your candidate wins or loses, know that you will be subject to that authority.
- God has ultimate authority. Rest easy the day after Election Day.
- Submit to authorities out of a matter of conscience. You will sleep better when protected by the law, rather than chased by it.
- Be ready to do whatever is good. Keep this question at the ready: What’s my next right step?
- When it’s all said and done: show the kind of respect, give the kind of honor, and pay your debts and taxes in a way that doesn’t tarnish your ability to love others.