Political Truth Vs. Biblical Truth

Each political party will try to claim that the other is lying, and they are the only ones who actually care about truth, but we know that there's only One who holds the ultimate Truth.

Oct 28, 2024

We don’t need to argue about whether or not absolute truth exists. That’s a fascinating topic, but it’s not the topic for this Substack post. However, if we do believe in the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord, then the Bible IS our ultimate truth of God’s character and His guide for how we ought to live our lives.

Next week, each adult in the United States will have the opportunity to exercise our civic right to vote for our next President and to vote on federal and local laws that will impact our country and our state’s societal efforts.

My hope and prayer is that no matter what political party you usually align most with, you take everything to prayer and ask God to show you each policy and person that will be the most honoring to God—even and especially if it might be voting against your declared party.

It can be hard in our overly politicized nation to distinguish between political truth and biblical truth, especially if one party emphasizes that their politicians and policies are favored mostly by Christians. Luckily, the Bible lays out the truth for us so we can compare what we hear from politicians and ensure it follows the truth of God’s Word before agreeing and promoting it.

Our political system values money & power—aiming to win at all costs.

Jesus emphasized servant-leadership (Mark 10:42-45).
God commands us to pursue justice for the vulnerable (Micah 6:8).

Our political system demands or expects party loyalty, no matter what. ESPECIALLY when they claim to be “on God’s side”.

We are called to be loyal to God alone, above all else, no matter the cost (Acts 5:29).
We are expected to respect the government that is over us while maintaining our commitment to God’s truth and drawing clear lines so we never allow the governing authorities to stop us from honoring God first (Mark 12:17).
- Note, as mentioned in previous posts, we are not called to give “allegiance” to the government. Allegiance belongs to God alone.

Our political system demonizes opponents.

The Bible clarifies that our unity is defined by our faith (not how we vote), and the most important part about how we carry ourselves is how we love (Romans 12:18).
Even beyond caring for those who are akin to us in our faith, Jesus actually takes it a step further and calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

The Bible won’t tell you exactly how to vote, but through prayer, an unbiased and diverse community, and reading through Scriptural stories and examples, we can certainly find clear direction on how to cast our vote.

My reminders to you as you consider the weight of this decision or the discussions you might have before or after voting day:

America is no more holy or ordained by God than other countries.

The Bible is not bound by our constitution, political standards, or democracy, and God cares just as deeply for the orphans in Mexico as He does for you. Our political stance should honor that truth.
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language." (Revelation 7:9)

People in all situations matter to God, whether or not they’ve committed to follow Him.

Imago Dei gives honor to everyone.
"The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." (Psalm 145:9)

No matter who is President, God is still King.

God can (and has many many times before) work through unholy leaders and people to bring glory to His name.
"The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:17)
God used a pagan king (Cyrus) to help Israel (Isaiah 45).

God is more trustworthy than our media and political pundits.

Don’t allow yourself to consume more media than Scripture or biblical community. Your algorithms are designed to cause division and chaos; don’t give in. Give in to God first and last every day, and for every minute you spend on social media or watching the news, spend at least 2 more minutes listening to, reading, or watching biblical material that is designed to remind you of God’s truth.
"Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?" (Isaiah 2:22)
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5)

This is the most important time to remember the truth of the gospel and not shy away from how God is guiding us to care for our neighbors through this vote. I’ll let Natalie from Raised to Stay have the final word because…