Biblical Values in the Political Realm

[Reading time: 3 minutes] A primary reason for the decline of America is the decline of proper focus among Christians. For example, today we place our confidence in government instead of God and allow political parties to define and represent our convictions. We become actively hostile toward those who have different convictions or belong to another political party. We complain about our deteriorating society but do little to improve it.

It’s time for a radical realignment; not in the political realm, but in us. We are citizens of God’s kingdom who happen to be Americans. Our relationship with God must supersede everything else in life and govern whatever we think and do.

I recommend allowing biblical values to influence our thinking, speech and actions in every part of life. For example, when deciding among candidates running for office, our criteria for choosing should include whether they strongly support biblical values in their personal lives, public lives and voting records. Also, as we exercise our civil rights by influencing our government officials and elected representatives, biblical values should govern what we say and do.

Please vote at every opportunity and according to biblical values. Please contact your government officials and elected representatives on important issues, demonstrating godly character and promoting biblical values. Please be respectful when talking with those who hold different values or who represent biblical values differently.

Following is a list of biblical values and related actions to consider. This isn’t a comprehensive list, nor is it in order of importance.

Recommended Biblical Values

Family

This is the foundation of all human cultures. A family consists of husband and wife, with children raised by both parents (Gen. 1:28; Eph. 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:12).

Heterosexual marriage

Marriage is between one man and one woman. Oppose same sex marriage (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6).

Sexual morality

Sex is appropriate only between husband and wife. Oppose extramarital sex, including sexual perversions (Lev. 20:10-13, 15-16; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 10:8; Heb. 13:4).

Protection of the innocent and defenseless

Protect those who can’t protect themselves (Ps. 82:3-4; 106:38).

Protection of the unborn

Oppose abortion (Exod. 21:22-24; Ps. 51:5; 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41).

Care for the needy

Shift the balance from secular government to charitable programs, where people instead of agencies minister to people. The goal is help the needy achieve personal dignity through self-sufficiency (Prov. 31:8-9; Luke 12:33; 14:13-14; 1 Tim. 5:3; James 1:27).

Israel

Acknowledge Israel’s sovereignty, its right to the land, its right to exist and defend itself. Support it as an important ally. Oppose the two-state solution (Num. 33:53; Joel 3:2; Amos 9:15).

Rule of law and justice

Pass and enforce legislation that is just. Prosecution of lawbreakers should be objective, timely and appropriate (Deut. 16:19-20; Prov. 17:15; 31:9; Jer. 22:3).

Personal integrity

Promote honorable, moral and ethical conduct (Rom. 12:10, 17; 1 Cor. 4:2; 2 Cor. 8:21; Phil. 4:8; Titus 3:1-2; Heb. 12:14).

Personal liberty

Protect freedom of religion, speech, ownership and action. Oppose intrusion by the government on legitimate rights (1 Cor. 9:19; 1 Pet. 2:16).

Personal responsibility

Individuals should be self-controlled and held accountable for their actions (Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14).

Fiscal stewardship

Practice wise stewardship and eliminate debt (Luke 14:28; Rom. 13:7-8).

Biblical values supersede politics and culture, and should guide our political choices, actions and votes.

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