This is always a controversial issue for many. I understand why. Political views are typically tied to very personal beliefs that people hold dear and are unwilling to let go of. This is why it is always very difficult to have a sober discussion around these issues. We all hold our own truths to be self evident and the other person’s reality to be false.
I have come to understand and hold dear to one thing; the Word of God. It is a neutral factor in the middle of a divisive, polarizing, and confusing world. Within the Word was Jesus Himself. He did not involve Himself in politics. He did not support the Roman Empire OR the Jewish authorities. In fact, He condemned them both and said His “…Kingdom was not of this world…” (John 18:36). He then responded to the question on taxes in a classic manner; “…give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to God…” (Mat. 22:21). This defeats the whole argument on whether we should pay taxes but that’s a discussion for another day.
Today I want to settle this question of Republican vs Democrat. Do you not know that your Kingdom is not of this world? Why limit yourself to a worldly system that’s passing away instead of a Heavenly Kingdom that will last forever?
I am NOT a Republican
I am not a Republican because that is a political party and if I wanted to run for politics then I would choose the best vehicle I think matches my values and philosophies to run. Since I’m not running, I choose not to identify with a political system that could easily drag me into men’s corrupt motives and agendas that don’t always line up with the Word and the Kingdom.
I am not a Republican because I know I will not always agree with what politicians say and do. Therefore I want to be the independent voice that brings the unfiltered voice of God to the table. If I have no bone in the fight then I can see clearly. Otherwise, my lenses are filtered with the agenda of the side I represent.
Republicans supported the segregation of the south and widely rejected racial inclusion. This time in history created a negative image that has been hard for the party to heal from and Democrats took advantage of it to become the champion of the minority. Over time, ideologies change. Republicans are no longer talking about fiscal responsibility because it is now laughable to bring it up.
I Don’t Vote For Democrats
I don’t vote for Democrats because their party agenda goes against most of my Christian values. They openly support and endorse homosexual marriage (Rom. 1) when I openly support and endorse marriage between a man and a woman (Gen 1:24). They openly support and endorse abortion (Psalm 106:35-38; Ezekiel 16:20-21; 23:39, Lev. 18:21;20), while I openly support and endorse everyone’s right to life (Psalm 127:3; 139:13). Then, they openly endorse and promote the inclusion of all religions thus diminishing Christianity as the faith on which this nation was founded. I disagree with this.
We could go on to discuss their fiscal policies, the threat of socialism, and their casual regard for moral values in society. Unless a Democrat proves to be opposite of these core values, I cannot vote for them.
Who Should We Vote For?
The question for many still remains why many Christians align with Republicans. I hope this brief snippet begins to unravel what may seem mysterious to many. A Christian man or woman has to examine their conscience before God when they make a decision to vote. A regular person does not.
The Word of God compels us to have “…weapons for the left and for the right…” (2 Cor. 6:7). Like the Prophets of old times, who had the ability to speak the word of God to multiple kings, good and bad, we must maintain a clear, neutral path and only speak what the Lord is speaking. At times, the Lord may be affirming one leader over another and we have to be faithful to say so.
If you hope to find your footing as a Christian engaging in politics, this will be helpful. Otherwise, if you’re looking for me to endorse one man and condemn the other, it likely won’t happen. I will give you information which you can use to make the right decision when voting time comes around.
Stay tuned…
Nelson Masinde 