The Salty Peanut Gallery

Nineteenth century American essayist and novelist Charles Dudley Warner once wrote, “Politics makes strange bedfellows.” That axiom was never more true then it was today at the National Press Club in Washington when televangelist Pat Robertson made a surprise endorsement of Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination to the White House. This comes on the heals of threats by Dr. James Dobson and a social conservative coalition that they would not support the Republican Party if a pro-choice presidential candidate like Giuliani is selected.

Robertson states that Giuliani is “a proven leader”, citing his success in reducing violent crime and administrating the City of New York during crisis. “To me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists.” He also states that he would set aside their differences over abortion in light of promises by Giuliani to appoint strict constructionist judges.

So what are we really saying here? Is it really more important to set aside your conservative core beliefs in support of a candidate because he appears to be the lesser of two evils? Are we really saying that it’s more important to do what ever it takes to keep Mrs. Clinton out of the White House even if it means voting for someone that clearly does not share your values on the most important social issues of our day?

I believe Christians need to be very careful how they approach the coming presidential election. First of all, we need to be very prayerful. We need to pray that God will bring a candidate to the forefront that believers can support without violating our consciences. But second, and I believe this is critical, believers need to be more interested in honoring the Lord with our vote rather than a political party. I will not allow anyone to browbeat me into making a choice simply to prevent a more undesirable outcome. Now more than ever, believers need to vote their consciences and let the chips fall where they may. Because when it’s all said and done God is still on the throne, and His purposes will be accomplished with or without our help.

Isaiah 46:9-11
Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, “My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,”
Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man who executes My counsel, from a far country.
Indeed I have spoken it;
I will also bring it to pass.