Bloodsport & Belief

Why Christians Can’t Sit Out the Election

Let's be real: politics is a blood sport.

That’s the cold, hard truth. Politics is not the rosy, civil debate that we wish it could be. We would all prefer candidates who respect each other, focus on their platforms, and avoid blaming each other for the effects of bad policy from years past. But sadly, that’s not the reality in America.

Because of this, many Christians are completely turned off by voting. To us, the whole thing feels "dirty." We’d rather stay in our peaceful, well-bubbled worlds, away from the mudslinging, name-calling, and endless arguing. It’s not exactly a spiritual retreat watching politicians behave like kids squabbling over the last piece of candy.

But here’s the thing—I think this is exactly what Satan has wanted all along. You see, if Christians stay out of politics, the devil wins (in the short term). He can push his agenda without resistance, doing everything from promoting the sacrifice of unborn children on the altar of convenience to eliminating safe spaces for women in sports. He might even convince people that reassigning gender and removing young people's genitals is the ultimate expression of freedom. The devil’s clever, and he knows how to play the game. 

So, what are we supposed to do? As Christians, we can’t just sit back and stay silent. Yes, I know it’s difficult because when you look at the candidates, they both talk about helping people and being kind to the marginalized. But there’s only one who remotely takes a stand for the biblical value of the unborn. And there’s only one who has taken a stand against gender reassignment for youth–that’s Donald Trump.

Sure, I know—he’s crass, unfiltered, and rough around the edges. Okay, maybe more than a bit. But here’s the thing: he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty in the political arena, and sometimes, that’s what it takes.

This puts us in a tough spot, doesn’t it? We’re left with two options. Option A: avoid politics altogether, focusing solely on our Christian perspective, while letting the progressives run wild with our freedoms. Or, Option B: support a man who, let’s be honest, might be asked to leave most churches for his behavior. It’s a real conundrum.

This whole situation reminds me of Samson in the Bible (Judges 13-16). Samson was one of the judges sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. But frankly—Samson was a mess. He was uncouth, impulsive, and downright rebellious. He was violent and narcissistic. He frequented prostitutes and regularly broke his Nazarite vow. Plus, he married a woman from among his enemies and it cost him both his eyes and his strength. Not exactly a role model. Yet, against all odds, God used him to deliver His people from their enemies.

I’m not saying Donald Trump is Samson reincarnated—let’s not get carried away. But I am pointing out that sometimes God uses people who are far from perfect, people who are not exactly above reproach.

This fall, Christians need to face the reality that we’re not going to get a perfect candidate.

We might wish for someone who checks all the moral and ethical boxes, but that’s not what’s on the ballot. Instead, we’re left to choose the lesser of two evils. And like it or not, sometimes that’s just what we have to do.

I’m not entirely sure what God is up to, but I do know that we’re at a tipping point. The past three years have made it abundantly clear that what the Democrats and progressives are after is the destruction of the foundational values that built this nation.

Your vote is not an endorsement of everything a candidate has ever said or done. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be able to vote for anyone. I think Satan knows that, and I believe the other side knows it too. That’s exactly why they’ve tried to convince Christians to believe that voting is a moral compromise.

Christian, your vote is crucial this fall. You can’t stay on the sidelines, singing hymns and hoping that things will work out. Yes, God is in control, but you’ve been given a precious responsibility—a sacred opportunity—as a free American. This fall, vote your values. Even if it means casting a vote for a Samson-like character, remember that God has used imperfect people to fulfill His plans before. Your vote can be part of His work to uphold the values we cherish.