It was encouraging to read John Piper’s recent article, which invited me to ponder the implications of the upcoming election.

I am a permanent resident alien, which means I am not allowed to vote yet. But still, I follow national politics closely, because I love this country. It was the US that sent missionaries to Korea over a century ago. It was the US that sent troops to help with the Korean War. As a beneficiary, as a Christian, I would like to share some thoughts on election with my Christian sisters and brothers.

Which Side Are You on?

Christianity transcends all the ideologies, including nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, democratism, and socialism. The goal of the world’s politics is to get people to support a particular vision/ideology for the world. But the politics of God’s kingdom embraces both conservative and progressive values and transcends them all. Thus, it’s possible to be a Christian and be a democrat or a republican.

The Issue?

I think we should not be led in our voting not by single issues viewed in isolation, but by the common good. “What about abortion?” people ask. Though it’s a complex issue, I believe the both parties strive to end abortion. Republicans try to reach the goal by making abortion illegal, while democrats reach the same goal by making it unnecessary. Along with abortion, as a Christian, there are several other crucial issues to consider as we vote – health care, economic equality, racial justice, foreign policy, climate change, immigration, and so forth. And we ought to ask ourselves, “What’s the best for our vision of total community welfare?” rather than, “What’s best for me and my family?”

Character Matters

Yes, issues and policies matter. But those come from the persons, more precisely, from the person’s heart and character. E. M. Bounds once said, “It takes 20 years to make a sermon, because it takes 20 years to make the man.” I think the same principle applies to politicians as well as preachers. Every policy depends on the character of the leader. I agree with what John Piper said in his article wholeheartedly, “Christians communicate a falsehood to unbelievers when we act as if policies and laws that protect life and freedom are more precious than being a certain kind of person.” So, character matters.

I am an alien. But frankly, it’s not a bad place to be. In some sense, God’s people are called to be aliens, sojourners, exiles in this world. And our true citizenship is in heaven. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, with undying hope join me in prayer for healing, restoration, and unity in this land, and vote!