Guest writer Christine Carr recently wrote an article about the Alabama municipal elections that are coming up in late August. For the benefit of our readers, ALCAP has shared this article as a resource for Christians, pastors, and churches to get engaged in their local elections.
Though municipal elections are inherently non-partisan, does a candidate’s political affiliation matter? To a degree, yes, political affiliation and philosophy does make a difference in how one approaches key belief systems and how they impact policies regarding taxes, the role and size of government vs the private sector, property rights, parental rights, public safety, law enforcement, education, and governmental accountability. Though political affiliation is important, it does not tell the whole story. I’ve seen people that claim to be conservative or Christian actually behave otherwise. I’ve also worked with liberals who have excelled in wise governance. Character does matter.
I am only one person, and I do not pretend to be an expert. I can only draw from my personal and professional experiences, research, and lessons learned. No matter one’s background or perspective, I humbly encourage that we, as citizens and candidates:
1. Pray
2. Avoid Factions
3. Be Well-Informed
1. Pray – We are commanded by God to pray for our leaders, pray for wisdom, pray for our “enemies,” pray for the kind of wisdom that comes from Heaven, and pray for God to reveal to us the plank in our own eye before pointing out the speck in others. We cannot know all the details, plans, or hearts of men. However, we can be comforted in knowing that God does desire that we treat others honorably, honestly, and pursue good governance free from selfish ambition.
Magistrates and leaders are tasked with an important calling. They must protect their citizens from evil, crime, and unfair dealings. They are charged with handling the public trust with integrity. Please pray that God gives us such leaders. Please pray that you can be such a leader. I am grateful we live in a country where we have the freedom and responsibility to choose our government. Let us never forget to couch these decisions in prayer.
2. Avoid Factions – As it happens in many cities, local races can easily fall into faction-dom. Depending on the perspective one receives, we are either facing a Soros-type liberal takeover, good old boy resurgence, or high school 2.0 dramafest. I do see another perspective, however. There are candidates who possess a pro-family, conservative core; yet, they seek to simply serve each citizen fairly and honestly to the best of their ability. I encourage each candidate and citizen to resist factions and, instead, consider each person individually. Please avoid the kind of temptations C.S. Lewis eloquently outlined in his famous speech “The Inner Ring.” If we can elect public servants using values based upon their individual talents, experience, knowledge, and character, we will be blessed with a body of leaders that serve our city well.
3. Be Well-Informed – Have you taken time, as a citizen or candidate, to review past budgets or available citizen surveys? Are you getting your information from only one person, or do you contrast and compare information from several sources and people (avoiding factions)? Are you aware of the strengths and weaknesses of other local governments and how your city compares?
May God richly bless you and your family, as well as our community, state, and nation. With a dedication to prayer, fairness, and knowledge, we can bless others with good government