Biblical Principles For Electing A National Leader

Today I will discuss a topic related to next month’s presidential election. I am not an American citizen, so I do not have the right to vote. So, I have no personal interest whatsoever. I do realize that if I preach on this sensitive topic, there is a risk of being misunderstood and disliked by people who disagree with what I say. So why am I preaching on it?

First, as a pastor or shepherd, I must speak the truth and I have the responsibility to guide the sheep that God has entrusted to me, including in choosing their national leaders. Last week we learned from Romans 13:1-7 that God established two institutions, the state and the church. Both are under God’s sovereignty. The separation of the state and the church does not mean separating the state from God. That is why God also cares about nations and provides guidance on how to live as good citizens, such as by paying taxes and supporting elections.

The second reason why I am preaching on this is because America is not doing well. As someone who has lived in California for long enough and has been following the politics and life here for quite some time, I have concerns about the current state of this country, especially in terms of morality, security, and our freedom to believe and practice biblical values. So, I am preaching this sermon because I am concerned about the future of America. As many political observers have stated, this election will have a huge impact on every aspect of our lives.

Before I give some biblical principles for choosing a nation leader, I want to emphasize that our hope is in the Triune God, the Ruler of the universe, not in the presidential candidate we are electing. The Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). We should not hope in man or rely on man, no matter how great, smart, or good he/she is. They are only instruments in the hands of the LORD. We also should remember that God is the one who raises and removes kings or presidents (Daniel 2:21). Although the final decision or who will be elected next month is in God's hands, He often uses the processes that a country has to fulfill His plan. That is why, in America which adheres to a democratic system, God wants you to participate in the presidential election. So, do not abstain from voting! Even if the person who will be elected later is not the person you chose, at least you have carried out your responsibility as a Christian and a good citizen.

Currently, there are two presidential and vice-presidential candidates from two parties. Once again, I need to emphasize that I am not a member of a particular party. So, I do not support any party. Some Christians are still confused about deciding who they will choose because they see that the two candidates do not meet their criteria as a national leader. Indeed, I hope that you have a better candidate from each party in terms of background, morality, integrity, and demeanor. However, remember, you will not choose a Deacon or Elder, let alone a Pastor, but a National Leader so the criteria are different.

If you elect a Pastor, then of course, he must meet the standards of spirituality, morals, and blameless behavior. The Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-8, gives the criteria for people who want to become Elders of the congregation. Among them: "must be a blameless person, the husband of one wife, self-restraint, wise, polite, ... have a good name outside the congregation, ... must be an honorable person, not a two-tongued person, ...," and so on. How wonderful it would be if both candidates met these criteria. However, the criterion for national leaders emphasizes more on their leadership ability, their understanding of political, economic, social, cultural, technological, and security issues regionally, nationally, and globally, as well as their patriotism or nationalistic spirit which prioritizes the interests of their nation.

That is why in determining your choice, learn as best as possible what their policies are. I emphasize the word "as best as possible" because many observers say the journalism in America is dead. There are so many journalists who no longer state the truth or facts but have become activists of a certain party. And it is no secret that 80-90% of television stations, social media, and newspapers are liberal, so they are not fair to one of the candidates. For example, a study reported that these television stations talked about the two candidates very differently, one was 84% positive, the other 89% negative (see on the screen). That is why learn the candidates' policies from various sources that are as objective as possible.