Religious belief should guide political choices

From the time I was little, I heard people say not to talk about politics or religion. I was told that makes people nervous, and they won’t want to be around you.

Jesus tells his followers the opposite. He says talk about politics and religion and to always choose religion over politics. Our personal politics need to reflect Christian values supported by scripture. Let scripture guide your political choices.

In Mark 12:38-40, Jesus says, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes, and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher punishment.”

The scribes were the early day politicians who unscrupulously took what they wanted and would do anything to hold on to their office. In 2000 years, nothing has really changed. Some politicians still do the same thing.

Jesus was not talking about the good men and women who do their best to take care of our governments at the city, county and national levels. Rather, his message is warning us about those who seek office for their own self-fulfillment and profit.

We can’t ignore politics. It is plastered all over primetime television. What we can do is talk about it in relation to the values and directions that our Lord has given us.

We should not be so worried about what others think of us, but rather worry about what God thinks of us. Talk to others about those politicians who are doing a great job and those who will do anything they can to stay in office.

Representing all of the people should be a privilege not a right. Politicians should earn this privelege with good and honest work.

Jesus said living life abundantly is not being popular or getting a lot of attention. It isn’t strutting around having expensive cars, houses and popularity. It isn’t cheating those who put their trust in you.

It is the peace you get when you are walking close to God and understanding that he is guiding your steps. It appears that some politicians ignore this fact, and they forget who elected them.

Talk with others about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Help all people know Jesus’s words of guidance on political matters and use your votes wisely.

Study the candidates and make informed decisions. Try not to let party lines cloud your Christian judgment.

Don’t hide your religion, but connect it to the things in everyday life that are important. Our Lord and Savior will reward your work not just in heaven but also here on earth.

It will come from the peace in your heart that you get by putting God’s values before the values of this world. It comes from knowing that you have fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the race for God.