Problems for The Future President?

President Obama raised the eyebrows of the nation, and reportedly many black churches and leaders, with his recent and historic stand on gay marriage. Many who have perhaps long supported the President have been put in an interesting and conflicted position by the news-grabbing remarks. Some have indicated that they disagree but still support the Commander in Chief overall. Some have come out immediately with words of heavy condemnation and disappointment. Then too, others are still scratching their theological heads and trying to figure which side of the spiritual and political fence they intend to land on.

Meanwhile, Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, himself a Mormon, spoke at Liberty University to the largest graduation class in the institution’s history. Although Romney’s speech took the opposite direction on some of the current day moral hot buttons of his political foe, some at Liberty were not happy at having a practicing Mormon deliver the key address at the highly fundamental Christian university founded by Jerry Falwell. The school actually offers a theology course that describes Romney’s religion as a cult.

Although, Mr. Romney’s views seem much more in line with basic Christian beliefs on the moral front, both men have a serious voting block they must somehow win over if they are to stay in or enter the White House in the upcoming election. Obama must now reach out and even regain favor with those he may have just royally offended. And his opponent needs to somehow convince some voters of his sincerity over the moral issues, some of which he has changed his views on, and with others who may now have issues with his religious position.

The coming election may be as interesting and impacting as any. And while a great number will select their candidate based on economic or other like secular issues, those who belong to the God of the Bible need to vote according to the standards and principles in the book that led them to their redemption in Christ. To do otherwise is arguably a spiritual failure. God’s Word, despite what some may claim or even preach, is quite clear on the mainline moral issues today dividing and plaguing modern day America. It does not take a theological degree to know God’s basic views on them – especially the one mentioned at the outset here. So to ignore these values is simply to ignore God’s will, not to mention His obvious design for creation.

Many Christians on the right have no problem whatsoever knowing and voting based upon what they feel is biblical or not in a President – especially if he happens to represent the party on the left they oppose. But even so, some may struggle with their choice when they enter the booth in November if the stated faith of their side’s man is actually considered part of a cult in their circles and in the Bible. Just what are these, who feel led to be responsible citizens of two kingdoms at once, to do with this soon coming dilemma?

First, not having a ‘perfect’ candidate is not a license to stay home on election day. God has given us the gift of a country founded on and based upon a great freedom of religion - one that has brought an unmatched level of prosperity. This life-style is largely because of God’s great hand of blessing based on an overall obedience to His will. This has brought the amazing freedom to vote for the candidate that best represents what He would want done. But this can all be lost, and is under severe attack even now, as the next election approaches. As it has been generally said, “The best way for bad men to rule is for good men to do nothing.”

There will likely never be the ‘perfect’ Christian candidate for the highest office in the land. But when two opposing candidates face their voters, the believer’s choice should reflect the one which best reflects what the Scriptures convey and who can be best worked with to further the nation’s agenda as best seen through biblical revelation.

When the false teachers and twisted religious leaders of His day tried to trick Jesus into saying something to bring charges against Him, Jesus always outsmarted them. Such a time is seen in the account in Luke chapter 20 when they asked what they thought to be an unanswerable question. Verses 21-22 relate the short exchange. “Then they asked Him, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?'"

The amazing and immediate response from the Lord came in just a few sentences and once again sent his foes away with their theological tail between their legs. Verse 23 begins, “But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 'Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?' They answered and said, 'Caesar's.' And He said to them, 'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'"

This same ancient principle still holds true and can be applied to modern day politics including one’s personal vote. The Christian has a responsibility to select the candidate that ‘best’ represents, even if not perfectly, the will of God. They must choose that person who will best help to preserve our religious freedoms, the moral climate of the culture, and promote religious freedom and especially the advance of the Gospel message to a lost culture and world.

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

 Bill Breckenridge