The Christian Vote (2)

Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink
The Christian Vote (2)
Tuesday 11th July 2023

The Christian Vote (2)

The Christian Vote are a series of blogs and articles leading up to the General Election in New Zealand in October 2023 that reflects on how Christians might approach the world of politics and Government. I have thought long and hard about this subject and had some hands on experience at the ‘lower end’ in the world of politics. Back in the day I was involved in student politics at Wellington Teachers College (2 years) and was an elected member of Raglan Community Board for three terms (9 years).

In this blog my colleague and friend, David Hammond shares his thoughts on the upcoming elections. David brings a unique perspective from a faith background as missionary to Saudi Muslims and a current Mission Agency Chair, a Chief Executive with 10 years’ experience over public sector organisations, and now the Head of Tribe Leadership placing CEOs and Board Members across New Zealand. He is also the author of ‘Legacy.’

Ngā mihi ki a koutou. Ko David Hammond ahau. Here are 6 principles I believe could act as a guide for believers to your election decisions. They can also be heard on Radio Rhema.

Independence

In Joshua 5 there’s a fascinating account when Israel’s commander, Joshua, challenged a man holding a sword on the road in front of him with, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The Man replied, “Neither” – he was from the Lord. Wow! What a reminder for us all about who we tag our loyalties to. Coming up to this election, lots of well-meaning people will tell you who to vote for. Some presume to speak for all Christians – they don’t. Our loyalty and our identity is to no cause nor party, but to Christ alone. Our advice is to listen to the different perspectives, but then turn off the social media megaphones and Christian couch politicians. Go to scripture and pray. Earnestly seek what Christ is saying to you this election.

Impact

The election for Christians is all about making impact on the future of our nation. I think we’re agreed on that. In Matthew 13 Jesus speaks a parable, about the Kingdom of Heaven permeating the whole of a loaf of bread. In my past I’ve been a National Party candidate put up by the Ruapehu Branch, and since then voted for most major parties. My dad who was a staunch National supporter from a farming family, would probably be horrified to hear how I’ve voted. But in this parable, the yeast – which is Christ or the Gospel – is to go through the whole loaf, not just half of it (the National half or the Labour half). My brothers and sisters in Christ are probably working across all political parties, and taking the yeast of Christ through every part of the loaf of Aotearoa’s political landscape. It’s Christ that unites us, not any one party.

It’s Not About The Money

In this election as in every election, political parties will try to get you to make your vote based on who is best your family finances. There’s an American political saying, “It’s the economy, stupid.” One of the passages that keeps me grounded is in Mark 10 when Jesus spoke to the Rich Young Ruler. “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” As a Christian, I can’t see anywhere in the New Testament that Christ or any apostle tells us make any decisions based on money. Sorry – it just isn’t scriptural. Coming up to this election, I would encourage Christians to filter what they hear through the lens of what Jesus actually said – like to the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10.

Single-issue Politics

One of the things that political parties will try to convince you about is that you should vote based on a single issue that fires you up as a Christian. It could be abortion or the economy. But a single issue can’t run a whole country. Let me add a perspective. In Jesus’ day there were horrific social issues and prolific evil. But in Luke 4 Jesus outlines his mission on this earth, which is also ours: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” In looking at politics, I’m taking a Luke 4 approach. Yes, I’m looking across abortion and the economy like you… but I’m also looking at what parties have a vision for the poor, oppressed and vulnerable, as Jesus asks of us in Luke 4.

Support Your Leaders

Here’s a reality about elections – someone is going to win, and may not be who you voted for. We remember that not so long ago the United States nearly tore themselves apart over the transition of power between Trump and Biden. One of the tests of a democracy is whether there is a peaceful transition of power. Paul instructs us strongly in 1 Timothy 2 to pray and intercede for our leaders. This pleases God. I am dismayed by Christians who make a sport out of criticising our leaders. Let’s be clear here – that is not OK. Whatever the outcome of this election, our role as Christians is to support and pray for our leaders with thanksgiving.

Pray For Unity

One of the first casualties of a passionate election campaign is unity and grace. I’m a fan of our MMP system. When I grew up as a kid in the 70s and 80s we had two political parties – National and Labour. My dad was passionately anti-labour. Equally, when I played at my friend’s house, they were passionately anti-National. Having only two parties polarised people and politics. Jesus prays for you and me in John 17 that we may be brought to complete unity. “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” In this election, let’s be a witness to the world through our unity, even when we vote for different parties. Be wary of those who would seek to sow discord and disharmony through their words and actions.