Vote independent! (Like all Christians should)
I have many thoughts on the eve of this election, most of which I see no sense in voicing. At this hour, my opinions would sway few people and start needless fights. But to those who call themselves Christians there is one thing I must say, if only for the sake of my own conscience: Vote independent.
Let me try to explain what I mean. I'm not saying you shouldn't vote for Obama or Romney on the ballot tomorrow, or suggesting you write in the name of Jesus or some third-party candidate instead. I'm not talking about the candidates at all. I'm talking about you, about us, and about something we (clearly) forget. Often.
As followers of Jesus, our primary loyalties don't lie with a political party. For that matter, our primary loyalties don't lie with America, or even with democracy. I realize that makes me sound like an anarchist or worse, but I don't say that to be unpatriotic; I say that to put things in perspective. Because it's true. First and foremost we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, and our King doesn't have skin in this election. He doesn't endorse one political party over another and doesn't care whether you vote Republican or Democrat. SERIOUSLY. He doesn't. He's not judging anybody by who they vote for tomorrow. I'm fairly confident he strongly dislikes both parties and compassionately loves both candidates.
I get it. We want to know whose side God is on. We want to believe there are clear right and wrong answers about who to vote for. But there aren't. One candidate, although he believes in protecting the unborn, is a member of what any orthodox Christian would consider a cult and supports policies that would hurt the nation's sick and poor. The other professes and demonstrates faith in Jesus yet believes the American Constitution extends the right to marry to homosexuals. There's a lot of gray. As a Christian, you're not going to find somebody who perfectly embodies your beliefs or—more importantly (at least it should be)—the priorities of Jesus. Yet someone will be elected.
In the ancient biblical history of Joshua, there's a story where the angel of the Lord appears suddenly right in front of Joshua with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua, clearly startled, confronts him, asking "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," the angel of the Lord replies. "But as the commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."
You see, God isn't on anyone's side. He's not trying to decide who to align himself with. He's there, on his own side. Independent. Waiting for people to align themselves with Him.
Democrats and Republicans alike.
