Faith, Work, and Politics

By Drew Narmour, YBL Jackson MS Executive Director

Last week’s first presidential debate serves as a reminder that election season is upon us. It was also a reminder of the uneasiness felt especially by businessmen and women. The next administration’s policies could impact the daily operations of many workers across the nation—ranging from economic policies to regulations that affect everything from hiring practices to the expression of religious values in the workplace.

Given the political polarization that defines our current climate, Christians face a unique challenge. How do we navigate this election season by standing firm in our biblical convictions while not viewing others with different views with contempt? How do we passionately support policies that we feel promote a thriving marketplace without turning our candidates or parties into idols?

As I was scrolling through “X” this week, I found something that was surprisingly helpful for some of these questions. It was an article called “10 Guidelines for Christian Voters” published by the Assemblies of God in 1984. Here are there ten guidelines:

1. Do not confuse patriotism, national pride, and Western culture with Christian faith and practice.
2. Do not confuse secular political activity with the purpose of the church, nor campaigning with witnessing and preaching.
3. Do not make slanderous or false accusations against your opponents but maintain your integrity. Do not consider a brother or sister who is of like precious faith an adversary if he or she holds a different political view.
4. At all times endeavor to verify information before accepting it as true or before repeating it to others.
5. At all times endeavor to know and understand the candidate’s positions and evaluate him or her on that basis, on the basis of his or her ability to perform the duties and functions of the office, and his or her integrity.
6. At all times endeavor to know and understand the issues; do not excuse yourself from this duty by saying, “God will show me whom to vote for.”
7. At all times compare a candidate’s position with Scripture but only where the Scripture addresses the issue; do not force Scripture to address issues that the Author did not intend it to address.
8. Neither vote nor work for a candidate merely because he or she professes to be of the Christian faith.
9. Do not neglect your family, worship, prayer, or Bible study.
10. At all times uphold your leaders in prayer.

Imagine how Christians adopting these guidelines would change our political environment for the better. It would reflect a faith that trusts God’s wisdom and timing over the shifting sands of political power. As helpful as this list is, there is one guideline missing that I think is most necessary to remember: regardless of who is in the Oval Office next January, God is on His throne in heaven. Our ultimate hope and security rest not in political outcomes but in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God.ng expert Stephanie Franklin for their Faith and Work luncheon. As many are inviting people to these events or following them up, please pray that we will remember Jesus’ words and invite those we might easily overlook. Pray that God will bring the fruit of faith and discipleship from their efforts!