Voting choices
- May 5, 2017
- 2 min read
Elections are coming thick and fast. I doubt that my one vote will make a difference to the final outcome of any of them. Of course, if a number of us acted upon such a thought and failed to vote, it would be detrimental to our democracy. However, what about the choices I make when it comes to being governed by the God of the heavens and the earth? Do I choose to be a loyal and willing subject, or do I serve alternative gods which, in biblical language, are called idols?
In the Bible, God tells us to cast our vote, ‘choose life or death, blessings or curses’ and then says, ‘choose life’. He lays it on the line like this because he is the rightful Ruler over each of our lives but he knows how vulnerable we are to giving our spiritual vote to alternative rulers. These rulers (or idols), which come in all forms, will vary for each one of us. From a Christian perspective, I believe it is legitimate to say that we can identify an idol as that thing or attitude which holds us back from submitting our hearts and minds to the one true God.
We may sum up God’s election manifesto by saying that it is him putting forward Jesus Christ as his plan and ultimate purpose for the world. Look at the impeccable character of Jesus, his great power and authority, his credentials in passing sound judgement on all matters both moral and religious. He shows himself to be impartial, unmoved by the opinions of people, but deeply moved by their spiritual and physical needs.
We have already heard plenty of appeals from politicians and they will persist for the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Jesus continually makes his supreme appeal to all of us: working-class, white-collar, male or female, old or young, of whatever race. All need to know his forgiveness. With forgiveness comes reconciliation to God and with reconciliation a new dimension to our lives begins; a dimension which Jesus promises will not be snuffed out with our last breath.
We may be sceptical of promises made by the politicians even though we still give them our vote. Perhaps we will be less sceptical when we hear the appeal of Jesus when he says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.