Kristopher S. Pierce: Scripture can help us find the best candidate

With Republican candidates seeking the evangelical vote each election season, it is important that Christians think deeply about what qualities to look for in a candidate. What are the qualities of a leader? Much could be said about this, but what most needs to be said is that Christians should look to Scripture – not to talk radio or political pundits – to inform us about whom to vote for. There is no perfect candidate, and in many cases Christians will have to vote for someone who does not exhibit all of the qualities we want to see in our leaders.

That said, we, as Christians, should prefer in a leader humility over arrogance (Proverbs 16:18-19), wisdom over populist appeal (Proverbs 16:16), and winsomeness over brashness (Proverbs 17:27). And though our Constitution requires no faith test for office, it is good and proper for Christians to prefer a candidate who fears the Lord over one who does not because “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV). The strange events unfolding before our eyes during this political season call for much wisdom and discernment because these qualities are seriously lacking in the candidates.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Kristopher S. Pierce: Scripture can help us find the best candidate."