In theory - Jon T. Karn

Barack Obama has been picked as the next president. Propositions have been approved or turned down. How can faith guide us in making decisions on future Election Days?

How can faith guide us on election day? I suppose the place to start is by asking, faith in what and faith in whom? As a Christian, the Bible guides my values and choices regarding leadership, politics and civic affairs. I am not alone in this.

George Washington said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” I bow to the wisdom of the father of our country. Also as a Christian, since my faith is in God, I ask him for guidance in choosing candidates and voting on various ballot measures. We would prefer honorable people to represent us in government. But while no voter knows the true state of the heart of any candidate, God does. So we do our best homework, learning as much as we can about the issues and candidates on the ballot and then we ask God to help us vote wisely.

I must admit, in good conscience, I have voted foolishly before. Faith in our good God is not a guarantee that our candidate will govern well. We simply do our best. We are blessed indeed to live in the greatest nation in the world, a place where we peaceably elect those who will be over us. Jesus had no such luxury. He supported the imperial government that would one day crucify him. The Bible tells us that one day the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. On that day, elections will be over forever and faith will give way to sight. Now that’s what I call a change we can believe in!

JON T. KARN is pastor of Light on the Corner Church in Montrose. Reach  him at (818) 249-4806.