Yesterday was “Super Tuesday.” A day where 16 states and one territory of the United States casted ballots for primary candidates as president. It’s the biggest Election Day until November, where one providential candidate will become president, and many other national and local government positions will be filled with an incumbent or incoming candidate.

Every election carries significance, and the upcoming one is no different. Yet, it seems these days the hype is presented with a present decision as “the most important of all history.” Ironically, the word “unprecedented” has become ordinary.

As we embark on the upcoming election season, it behooves Christians to prepare not just their vote but their heart. It is my view that Christians have an obligation to vote. Yes, a believer is a citizen of God’s kingdom, but they are also earthly citizens under authority. And things that happen on earth have consequence. So, not voting is a missed opportunity to honor authorities, and love our neighbors by offering preserving salt to a decaying culture, and light to darkness. However, politics is an ever growing idol.

Christians must be careful that their love for country does not supersede love for Christ. An overbalanced love for country leads persons to rationalize any means to reach an aspired end. Deception, lies, riots, attacks on and hatred of others become justified. Our present polarization exists because each party views one another as the enemy rather than part of a potential eternal family.

News flash to us conservatives: not all Republicans are going to heaven and a handful of Democrats are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. Despite popular views, God is not on the side of any political party. Jesus is king and His throne is without competition or end. Christians diminish the gospel by equating their faith with political parties.

The sad reality is that the majority of our nation is faced with voting on the lesser of two evils, rather than casting a ballot for a preferred candidate. Obviously, every candidate is imperfect but it is a blessing when one can fill the ballot bubble to vote in principle.

I’m not instructing everyone to vote for anyone. Who am I but an equally fallen individual with flawed bias too. Yet, for a Christian, voting in principle means affirming the authority of the Bible. Several biblical values are important to consider when voting. Here are at least five biblical values to reflect before a Christian should cast their vote:

1. Holistic life. This includes care for the unborn. A Christian should unreservedly uphold the sanctify of human life at conception. And holistic life includes from conception to the cemetery: the impoverished, elderly, appropriate immigrate pathways for citizenship, racial and ethnic unity, quality and affordable healthcare, and one could also make the case for a strong military protection for our nation’s residences.
   
2. Honoring family. The sanctity of marriage with one man and one woman may not be politically correct but is the biblical standard. Honoring family also means not demeaning or dehumanizing those opposed to biblical marriage. There could be ways for a nation to recognize alternative relationships while not redefining terms, or punishing business owners and tax payers who disagree. While that ship appears to have sailed politically, Christians must not compromise on this value morally. Additionally, honoring family includes evaluation and investments in education of children, and a host of other issues that impact everyday life.
   
3. Stewardship of resources. God’s creation of land, water, and every other environmental resource should be used with care and for the flourishing of human society.
   
4. Goodness. This last principle is somewhat relative, but as Christians we know only God is good. Yet, one can discern and uphold that “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” We believe that all humanity is “created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Therefore, common goodness should include upholding our nations heritage, with its Constitution, and as Christians, to “bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love… being ready to work with all humanity in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising loyalty to Christ and His truth.”
   
5. A candidate’s character. Our biblical values do not only address platforms but the moral character of a public official. A nation’s leaders should be broadly respected in character and competency to perform duties of their job with developing a capable staff to effect good and righteousness. Holding our noses or closing our eyes while voting for a candidate is not a good testimony, regardless of party platform.

So, here we are. Attempting our very best with our little corners of the world trying to make a difference. And of all the emotions approaching this next election cycle: fear (29%), sadness (23%), anger (23%), hope (23%), excitement (16%), pride (8%), gratitude (7%), the one that stood out the most was exhaustion (38%). Everyone is tired of the pessimism, divisiveness, and hostility, and there seems to be no end in sight. After the last several years, we are all feeling the effects of burn out, politically, physically, and spiritually. How should we then live?

God is not silent.

Amid national violence, chaos in government, religious differences, and communal hopelessness, Jesus spoke. His words were healing and transformative. Jesus invited people to simple, yet not easy, relationship. Jesus looked people in the eyes and said, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Whether you vote or not, and you should, Jesus invites us to come. Our earthly striving and empty political aims will not matter in eternity if we have not trusted Jesus Christ to be the Savior from our sins and the Lord of our life. What does it profit a person if they gain political victory but lose their soul? Christianity is not just about abstract belief in God but a specific faith in Jesus – the Jesus of the Bible. The Gospel accounts and New Testament shows us that following Jesus does have a yoke – a way of life and pattern for discipleship. We cannot claim God as our Father, heaven as our home, or Jesus as our friend if we are not taking up a cross. Politics doesn’t promote self-denial, but Jesus does.

So, Christians, let us vote in principle but also in perspective. Honor authority. Love generously.
And, live in refreshing freedom that Jesus offers grace for every weary worshiper, including those whose idols have been in the ballot box. There’s coming a greater super day when we must give account for both political idols and spiritual idleness. Let us be found laboring for a kingdom that cannot be shaken.