Is the Lesser of Two Evils Actually Good?

Finding the Right Level As Christians in the Political World

Howdy!

If you do any kind of research into leaders in foreign countries it becomes apparent quite quickly that few folks in charge can meet even the basic standard the Bible sets forth for how politicians are to live in obedience to God. For example one of the oddest characteristics of Western Europe is that almost none of their national leaders have children, and many are in wicked personal relations of various kinds. It’s almost like the judgment of the Lord is upon them for their abandonment of the covenant. Solomon reminds us, “By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” Things are not too much better in the United States. We are constantly hearing reports of everyone from mayors to presidents engaging in immoral behavior. It can’t be that we as believers think any of this is okay. We should be expecting more from those who are supposed to be our foster fathers and nursing mothers. 

If we want Jesus to bless our country we need to hope that our leaders reflect this same concern. God is not going to honor blasphemy in life. He will not be mocked.

Sometimes in defense of supporting men who might be good on principle, but bad in action we are told that either their opponent is worse or the ends justify the means. We can make all kinds of excuses for why we need to hold our nose and do what is needed. It’s easy to fall into the same trap that caused Israel to want a king like the nations. This is why we are to be, “. . . sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Acting like the world will not bring us the hope we seek. 

To help us this morning in today’s prayer and worship to make good decisions based on Scriptural principles when it comes to political involvement we are going to ask some questions that may prick, may convict, or may just offend. 

As we’ve continued to think through what we as Christians, and as human beings, should expect from those in authority over us in the political world we’ve found that it is a topic which is endlessly complicated, mainly due to sin. Living as we do in an imperfect and fallen world we are asked to assess often whether or not to support the “lesser of two evils”. Logic dictates that if you choose between two bad options, one worse than the other, then you are still not going after the good. We need to be honest about what we are doing, especially in a place like America where the vast majority of the time there really is only two in the race who have a chance of winning.

While there are minor parties running candidates it is a hard sell to convince most people that they have a chance with their vote to effect the kind of change that may be needed in a culture gone mad. I would never say pulling a lever for a third-party is a waste of time. If you feel the need to, knock yourself out. However, that’s just not where the vast majority of people are going to land. Believers who are going to support one of the two options in an election need to come to terms with what they are doing, and then consider whether or not they should be making that choice. It’s not something we should ever take lightly.

If voting is something that we don’t struggle with, it’s probably not a good sign. In casting a ballot we are making a moral decision. In many ways we are taking an oath with our ancestors to protect the nation they fought for and organized for our good. Considering who to vote for (or if even to vote at all) is a highly personal matter for sure, but that doesn’t mean we should be exempt from some pushback if we are just encouraging the very same abhorrent behavior that we judge others for. Even if we lived in a perfect world where John the Baptist was running for governor of South Carolina and his opponent was Peter the Apostle there still should be an interest in ensuring that no matter who wins that they maintain their promises to their supporters, but more importantly to the God who has providentially given them their office. 

There is nothing that happens on the earth that Jesus Christ, sitting on His throne in Heaven, does not have an interest in. During our time in Isaiah 66 we’ve heard of how the Lord has a footstool. What exactly does that mean in this context? Think about what that piece of furniture is used for. It is a place for a person to put their feet up when they are at rest. Jesus has already come as the conquering king and as He gives the Great Commission to the church it is our calling to then bring the good news of salvation by grace through faith alone to bear on all the nations of the world. This includes encouraging our leaders to humble themselves under Christ, both in prayer and in how we vote. Supporting bad behavior means damning men who need our spiritual help. We should not be seen enabling fallen men to fail to learn the lesson that there is a better way that includes more than worldly power. There is much wisdom in what James says in his letter which can be applied here, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

In closing, believers should never be afraid to let the Holy Spirit speak that we might listen and be further sanctified in grace. Part of growing in faith is putting to death the old man and moving forward from where we were. The Apostle Paul gets on the Corinthians case about a lot. At the base of his criticism is that they seem to want to drink milk the rest of their life. Often we are afraid to think through the consequences of our actions because that would mean we need to maybe not do those actions to begin with. There is much that happens in the political world that we are easily caught up in that if we took a second to examine we would realize they do not fit with the kind of spiritual maturity we are called to as the disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Last word:

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/decisions-decisions

Blessings in Christ, 

Rev. Benjamin Glaser

Pastor, Bethany ARP Church