Take a Biblical Stand at the Polls

In just a few weeks millions of Americans will determine the destiny of this great nation. Some will blindly enter the booth and cast an uneducated vote. Others will robotically choose their traditional family political party. Then we have those who fear the potential outcome, do their homework and confidently vote according to a well-informed opinion.

Please allow me to give you some ammunition as you enter more aggressively this war of wars. This weaponry comes from the Bible, the book that according to the Gallup Poll organization can be found in the vast majority of American homes. This Bible may be hidden or sitting dusty on a shelf, but regardless, it is the religious book that most citizens respect.

As the great statesman and true father of modern day American Christianity always says, “I would like to answer your question by telling you what the Bible says.” Of course I’m speaking of the Rev. Billy Graham. Now 93 years of age, he still leans on the Bible when answering life’s most pressing questions. I agree, and say, “Don’t just trust my opinion, look to the Book!”

Here are a few Scriptures that serve as a litmus test for electing our politicians. This pre-election editorial is not intended to be biblically exhaustive. That would require many pages. I just want to ‘prime the pump.’ Hopefully the water will begin to flow, we’ll have a better understanding of God’s viewpoint and please Him on Election Day. Here we go!

Is the nominee holy and believes that America should be a godly, righteous nation? The Bible says: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach (disgrace) to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

Does the nominee schmooze leaders of ungodly, wicked nations? Is the nominee living an upright life, which means does this person adhere strictly to righteous moral principles? The Bible says: “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Prov. 11:11).

Has God rejected the nominee because of an obvious straying from His statutes? Has that person been found to be deceitful (misleading others)? The Bible says: “You (God) reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood” (Ps. 119:118).

Ask yourself: Of the candidates, which ones honor righteousness and have a genuine belief in the God of the Bible? Of the candidates, which ones negate our heritage and publicly proclaim that America is not a Christian nation? Now, please don’t write me attempting to split hairs. Everyone knows in their spirit the ones who are genuinely sincere and are capable of guiding this nation back to greatness.

There is not a perfect candidate. But ask yourself which ones are further from the Truth. Unfortunately, Jesus is not running in this election but He is running this election. Heaven lifts up one and puts down another. The Bible says: “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another” (Ps. 75:6,7).

Remember—regardless of the election outcome—God is ultimately in control. Any present day, self-proclaimed, political potentate is teetering dangerously on the brink of disaster if he puts himself on the throne. James 4:6 clearly states the fact, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” And what about this frightening Scripture? “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

The Bible, from cover to cover, warns us of the dangerous state of our country. The Old and New Testament compliment one another. There are 66 books in the Bible that flow together like a beautiful river. God never contradicts Himself and always remains the same. He is the God of law and the God of grace. Indeed, our loving Savior will one day be a severe Judge.

What else does the Bible say about these most important decisions?

“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country” (Deut. 28:15-16). Be sure to read the rest of the chapter. I refuse to be responsible for the curse of God on our nation.

Concerning Israel, ask yourself, “Does the candidate love Jerusalem and desire for God’s chosen people to experience peace?” Don’t fall for a pseudo-political position toward Israel. Many politicians will do or say anything to gain recognition or pacify the public. Be careful not to fall prey to their reckless rhetoric as this election draws near.

The Bible says: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Ps. 122:6) and, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Gen. 12:3).

We must also be aware that billions are watching. With their eyes riveted to the screen the world often finds themselves envious of our democratic freedom. Having traveled and preached around this globe I long for the day when they say, “I want the blessings of America. I want the God of your democracy.”

Before closing I feel compelled to add a list of many things that God hates. These can be found in Joel Meredith’s Complete Book of Bible Lists. He shares more than 40 things that God hates. I have selected several dozen to serve as a tool, or a plumb line, to evaluate candidates.

My friend, do some homework before casting your vote. If God hates these characteristics in a person, a policy or a political party, then we must follow His lead. I have already voted and my decisions were based on ‘bringing God pleasure’ rather than His displeasure. Do you want His favor or His fury? His gladness or sadness?

In a few days we will enter the privacy of a booth. No one will view our vote but three witnesses. They are present in every secret place: the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Please make up your mind before entering.

A word of caution: Be careful about sharing your choice of candidates with others. There is a firestorm brewing over this election. Keep your opinions close unless you believe others might be swayed to join you. The great preacher A.W. Tozer once said, “To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.”

Remember, there are no perfect candidates. Once again, Jesus is not on the ballot. Choose the politicians who line up with the majority of these things that God hates.

1. Homosexual acts (Lev. 18:22).
2. Idols, and the materials used to make idols (Deut. 7:25). An idol is anything that takes the place of God such as fame, fortune and material possessions.
3. Worshipping the sun, moon or stars (Deut. 17:3-4)
4. Astrology (Deut. 18:10)
5. Witches (Deut. 18:10)
6. Communication with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11)
7. Transvestism (Deut. 22:5)
8. The hiring of a prostitute (Deut. 23:18)
9. Dishonest scales (Deut. 25:13-16)
10. Workers of iniquity (Ps. 5:5)
11. The wicked (Ps. 11:5)
12. Those who love violence (Ps. 11:5)
13. A proud look (Prov. 6:16-17)
14. A lying tongue (Prov. 6:17)
15. Hands that shed innocent blood (Prov. 6:17)
16. A heart that devises wicked imaginations (Prov. 6:18)
17. Feet that are swift in running to mischief (Prov. 6:18)
18. A false witness who speaks lies (Prov. 6:19)
19. Anyone who sows discord among brethren (Prov. 6:19)
20. Lying lips (Prov. 12:22)
21. The ways of the wicked (Prov. 15:9)
22. The thoughts of the wicked (Prov. 15:26)
23. The proud in heart (Prov. 16:5)
24. Those who justify the wicked (Prov. 17:15)
25. Those who condemn the just (Prov. 17:15)
26. Evil plans against neighbors (Zech. 8:17)
27. False oaths (Zech. 8:17)

Please go back over the list you have just read. Many of our candidates over the last several decades have been guilty of living their lives and leading this nation under the disapproval of God. They were put in office by the voting public. We cannot let this happen again!

My friend, take a stand! If you want to hear what Jesus hates, and will judge, then read the words in red. Prepare yourself. He wasn’t always tender and kind.

Don’t base your life on all the Scriptures that stroke you. Digest the Scriptures that also strike you. Don’t spend your Bible study digging for doughnuts. Eat your vegetables.

Serious times take serious people! America, your children and grandchildren are counting on you. Make your mark on history. Don’t gripe and complain about this race; make your stand at the polling place!

Steve Hill is the founder of Heartland Church in Las Colinas, Texas. He is perhaps best known as the evangelist for the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Fla.