The last few months were challenging for me and October was a bit overwhelming. I took some time away from a few things (including Substack) to collect my energy and regroup. I took care of some pressing medical issues and addressed some concerns with my twins with that time. However, I live in a swing state, and the mounting tension with the election was palpable. Regardless of what my political views are, as a Black woman in a small, predominantly white, and unapologetically conservative town, the tension was smothering.
I received numerous print ads in my mailbox daily and we were inundated with commercials. A gentleman canvassing the neighborhood for the Democratic party even knocked on my apartment door. It caught me off guard because my apartment building is supposed to have controlled entry access only. The campaigning was relentless, but that was not surprising.
I decided to vote in person on election day. The lines are never long where I live so in-person voting is typically hassle-free (I, unfortunately, encountered a voter who wanted to goad me into an altercation while voting). The day before election day, I saw an ad on social media that said, “Vote Christian.” I had been ignoring ads for months, but for some reason, this one tugged at me. Initially, I thought it was because I had been wrestling with my faith for the last few months. Whatever it was, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in my heart.
Vote Christian.
I consider myself a Christian. Maybe, this ad was simply reminding me to consider my Christian values when I vote, or maybe the ad wanted me to “vote like Jesus” would vote. Choose the candidate that Jesus would choose; politicians and lawmakers who believe in Christian principles and create laws that uphold Christian standards. Christian lawmakers will create Christian laws. Christian laws? Isn’t that an oxymoron?
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Romans 10:4
Christ came to Earth to free us from the rigidity of the Mosaic law. In the book of Matthew, chapter 5, He is recorded preaching about the laws. Jesus confirmed that He didn’t come to abolish the law, but His presence and His actions will fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17). He even expounds on some of the laws like adultery and murder, stating that following the law isn’t enough. Not murdering someone is great, but a follower of Jesus should avoid being angry with their brothers and sisters. Not committing adultery is wonderful, but even those lustful feelings could be viewed as adultery when you are a follower of Christ (Matthew 5:21-30). This wasn’t to create outrageously unattainable standards for followers of Jesus but to shift God’s people away from the performative aspects of religion. Don’t just do righteous things. Be a righteous person.
The Book of Acts in the New Testament is about the actions of the disciples as they spread the good news of Jesus Christ, not the laws Jesus instructed them to enforce.
Vote Christian.
So what does that mean? For some, it means voting for things like an abortion ban. But I must wonder why God would give us free will if Christian politicians could simply make laws to override that freedom. We aren’t even forced to follow and worship God. That is our choice, so what does it truly mean to vote Christian?
On the subject of abortion rights, is it more aligned with Christian values to ban abortion or to allow abortion rights while focusing on improving health care disparities and the quality of public resources? Is it more aligned with Christian values to impose the death penalty for those who violate pro-life laws or create provisions that decrease economic disparities, making the cost of living affordable for growing families? Are Christian values more aligned with Leviticus or Acts?
Having safe and affordable health care, making a livable wage, and residing in safer neighborhoods are things most people can agree on, regardless of their religious or spiritual affiliation. Creating “Christian” laws does not seem Christ-centered. A non-believer would likely be more impressed with the faith of a compassionate Christian representative who advocates for the best interest of constituents than a religious tyrant who forces ideals upon them.
The Bible records the execution of several Christians for not adhering to the law. Now, there are Christians who want to do the same to others. The love of Christ is not found in laws and statutes but in compassion and provision. To me, voting Christian means choosing to see humanity and being willing to meet them where they are (Luke 19:10). It means seizing the opportunity to choose service to others (Matthew 25:35-40). It means advocating for provisions that aid those in distress (Luke 10:34). It means extending kindness and grace, no matter who is hurting (John 8:11).
“For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
John 3:17
For many, that did not require voting Christian. It simply required them to vote responsibly, because Christian or not, it would be great if we all felt a general sense of responsibility to care for those around us.
Keep Reigning
This woman right here is a beautiful writer who has a beautiful message and an even more beautiful person!!!