Called. Convicted. Converted. The musings of a young passionate Evangelical pastor

Here in South Africa, municipal elections are almost upon us. As a Christian who believes that Jesus is Lord of all of life, I once again am thinking through the way I vote, as it is a good practice to question the things we do in the spirit of Semper Reformanda (Always Reforming). The reason we need to think biblically about voting is because the only thing that can actually change this country is the gospel, since all social/national/relational problems are actually sin problems. It is like marriage, there is no such thing as a ‘marriage problem’, there are only character flaws and sins that effect a marital relationship, in the same way there is no such thing as ‘political problems’, rather there are sinners (like me) in politics who instead of using God’s Word as a guide by which to rule, they follow their hearts and do what seems right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

As Christians we have been commanded to obey and respect the government (Romans 13:1- remember Paul was writing to Christians who were under the pagan wicked Roman rule at the time, and still this command is given); as such I respect and support the office of the president, as it currently stands with President Jacob Zuma holding office; I pray that God bless him as he works, give him wisdom as he rules, and also that God might save him.

Believers are instructed though, by their God, on how to select who should rule over them when given the choice, In Exodus18:21 the Israelites were commanded to, “select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials…”As Christians we should select (vote for) men who are capable, God-fearing, trustworthy and haters of dishonest gain.

If we are to hold up the two major parties in this country at the moment and compare them to this standard of a godly official, I think we would find them not to be God-fearing, Take for example the following issues:

1)      Acknowledging God Almighty in the Constitution

The ANC voted to have the phrase ‘In humble submission to Almighty God” removed from the constitution, and declared South Africa a secular nation, the DA also voted for this change, and does not acknowledge God in any of their policy documents.

2)      Pro-life (against the murdering of pre-born babies)

The ANC said, “We are committed to reducing levels of unexplained and unwanted pregnancy[i]” this party then went on to vote for abortion on demand to be legalised. The DA also voted for abortion on demand to be legalised, and as a party stands for pro-choice (which is the euphemistic way of saying we should let people decide for themselves if they want to kill babies or not). [For more information on an excellent group doing something about this scourge in South Africa visit Abort97]

3)      Education, should it be state controlled or controlled by parents and should there be religious freedom in education.

The ANC has said, “The state has the central responsibility in the provision of education and training[ii]” On this issue the DA appears to hold to a view of collaboration between state and parent, but still one that is not the Scriptural view of parents being responsible for the children’s education

4)      Pro-free market (anti-socialism)

The ANC have affirmed their position of holding to communist principles and redistributing wealth to the poor. They have demonstrated (at least on paper) that they are  anti-free market and a socialist party.

5)      Capital Punishment of Murder’s

Both the DA and the ANC are against capital punishment.

6)      Opposes homosexual marriages/civil unions

Both the DA and ANC are favourable to the homosexual agenda, both parties deny the truth that marriage is between a natural man and a natural woman.

So What?

These are just a few issues that should be clear to believers. How can someone who believes in the power of the gospel, the truth of God’s rule, the ministry of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit vote for a party that is in the least God-ignoring, open to the murdering of the helpless, in favour of overruling parents in the education of their children, [against honest labour and free-market], against the execution of killers, and in favour of those of the same sex to be married?

Members of such parties are far from God-fearing.

Could a Christian vote for Hitler? He will build major infrastructure, autobahns, support the production of strong and competitive car companies, he would do wonders for the economy, and many people would experience a better quality of life. Of course not, this is a maddening thought. The logic of many voters in South Africa though, is that they would like to vote Stalin in, just to get rid of the Hitler.

Christians, remember those men who have gone before us in history, men like Oliver Cromwell and William Wilberforce, people who have fought for freedom, and political policies that reflect the God of Holy Scripture. Don’t put your trust in man for South Africa, that can only bring a curse (Jeremiah 17:5), put your trust in God, and use your vote with integrity and principle.

For more information regarding the political parties in South Africa and Biblical issues and also to find the source of much of my info, please visit the Christian Voters Guide