Many people in America have Christian values, or at least claim to. According to the PEW Research Center in 2014 the percentage of Christians is 70.6 percent* (PEW). That is a very large part of the US population. This isn't to discriminate against other religions, faiths, or lack thereof, but with such a high percentage of people professing Jesus as their savior many presidential candidates are hitting this demographic hard. Some examples of candidates appealing to Christians are Ted Cruz when he made his candidacy announcement at a major evangelical university, Ben Carson with his multiple books about faith and freedom, even Hillary Clinton has made many comments about God and her faith to retain support, and i'm sure that at the upcoming Democratic debate there will be comments made about faith and religion. If there are "Christians" on both sides then which side is Jesus on? I would argue neither.
I understand that it may seem a little sacrilegious to try and put God on one particular party, but that is precisely my point. When Jesus came to the world his followers thought he was going to lead a political revolution and establish the eternal kingdom then and there, but he had something better in mind. He came with message of power, love, and forgiveness. As Christians, we sometimes forget the essential message of the cross. Here of some examples of what it says in the Bible versus how we sometimes act when it comes to politics.
"Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things (our needs) will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33)
Maybe as a Republican you would do it like this:
"Seek first the presidency of Reagan, and his conservativeness, and all these tax cuts will be added to you"
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Know him in all your ways, and he will make your path straight" (Proverbs 3:5,6)
As a Democrat, maybe you have said it like this:
"Trust in Obama with all your votes. Agree with him in all your ways and he will give you free healthcare"
It comes down to this, what are we as Christians putting our trust in? Is it in corrupt politicians, or is it in the creator of the world? Ask yourself. I hope it is in the one who came down to die so that we might be made truly alive in him.
I am by no means saying not to vote or take away support your favorite candidate, but when you give someone your support look at where your heart is. Never give that politician or party's principles precedence over the truth that is found in the Word of God.
*70.6 includes all denominations, including Catholicism.
