Advance voting is open, the billboards are up, and election day is Saturday 7 November. So, with some trepidation, I'm dipping my toe into politics to offer a few pointers on how to think about voting as followers of Jesus.
Here are four things I'd encourage us to keep in mind.
1. Do vote. It's an act of love!
God has given us the privilege of living in a country where we have a say in who governs us. Many people around the world don't have that privilege. Voting is one way we can love our neighbours and seek their good, especially those who don't get a vote or whose interests are easily overlooked.
2. Vote for the good of others, not just yourself.
As followers of Jesus, we're called to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).
So our question shouldn't simply be, "Which party will make my life better?" or even "Which party will be best for Christians?"
Rather, we should ask which policies and leaders will best serve the good of our whole community, especially the vulnerable.
3. Let your faith shape your politics, not your politics shape your faith.
Following Jesus affects every part of life, including how we vote. We don't stop being followers of Jesus when we enter the voting booth.
But there's an equally serious danger in allowing our political loyalties to shape our Christianity. No political party, leader or ideology perfectly represents the kingdom of God.
Our allegiance to Jesus must always come before our allegiance to any political party.
4. Disagree without dividing.
Christians ought to share some fundamental convictions about what makes a good society: justice, peace, care for the vulnerable, freedom to live and share our faith, and love for our neighbours.
But we may reasonably disagree about the best policies, priorities and political parties to achieve those things. These are often questions of wisdom and judgement.
That doesn't mean every political position is equally consistent with following Jesus. But we should be careful not to confuse our political conclusions with biblical convictions.
So let's be humble in our opinions, generous in our conversations and careful not to make political agreement a test of Christian faith. Let's pursue what makes for peace and mutual encouragement (Romans 14:19).
Finally, remember where our hope lies.
Elections matter. Good government matters. But no election will bring the kingdom of God, and no election result can threaten the reign of Jesus.
Whatever happens on 7 November, Jesus is still Lord, and our mission as his church remains unchanged.
If you'd like to think more about this, John Dickson has written a helpful article on voting as a Christian.
And let's be earnest in praying for our country, for those standing for election, and for those who will govern us (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
Grace & peace,
Andrew