We go to the polls on Tuesday. There are groups and organizations that have asked us to distribute Christian Voter guides, but we have declined. That is not to say that the Christian voter does not take faith into the polling place. If Jesus is Lord of all, then he is lord of political life. So what should we seek in a candidate for elected office?

At the end of his life, King David, described the fruit of righteous government as being “like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.” (2 Samuel 23:3-4) We seek righteousness.

John Calvin said that the task of serving in government is “by far the most honorable of all calling in the life of mortal men.” He adds that “great zeal for uprightness, for prudence, gentleness, self-control, and for innocence” ought to be required of those in high office. (Institutes iv.20. 4, 6)

So what should we look for from those who are seeking office (and who have authorized all those discouraging ads)? In addition to uprightness, prudence, gentleness, self-control and innocence, don’t we seek those whose policies honor life as a gift from God and who do justice and love mercy? Is not walking humbly with God something we should look for in those we elect?

The standard is high. Few will meet it. And we still have to vote on Tuesday. Even in the next few days, put your life as a voter under God’s rule. Not all of us will vote for the same candidates, but God who is sovereign will honor our prayers. Listen.

On Sunday: David and Bathsheba (good rulers sometimes make big mistakes).