Approaching elections faithfully
by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
In 1994, our first fully democratic process with 19 political parties began under the watchful eye of a Temporary Electoral Commission. In 2024, the Independent Electoral Commission will watch over 325 political parties and six independent candidates (www.elections.org.za). Are we spoilt for choice or spiralling out of control politically?
It feels overwhelming, but we cannot be complacent. God does not favour one political party over another. God cares about the well-being of all creation and calls us to respond likewise. Logically, then, we should care about who governs us. In other words, our faith must play an important role in how we approach the coming elections.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for “those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness.”
Any faithful response starts with prayer. Are we giving sufficient time to pray for a free and fair election in which every eligible voter may vote following their conscience? Are we asking for wisdom to select servant leaders who will work tirelessly for the common good and not simply to fulfil their ambition for wealth and power? Are we praying for the Independent Electoral Commission as they work for a credible result that reflects the will of the people?
When voting is over, the ballots are counted, and the election posters come down, will we pray for our government as they lead our country into a future where every resident can live in hope and with dignity? If we are not prepared to spend substantial time in prayer for our elections, we cannot expect to be effective participants in God’s will for our country.
Prayer enables us to listen to God’s wisdom. It focuses on God’s will and quietens our subtle prejudices, which can get in the way. Saying a quick prayer before rushing out to cast our vote is not enough. If we are to partner with God in caring for our world, we must converse with God to fully understand our role.
Part of hearing God’s will is discerning truth. There is a proliferation of fake news in circulation. We need to be fastidious about ensuring the source of our information is credible and factual. We cannot make sound decisions with unsound information. As uncomfortable as it might feel, we need to read or listen to more than one point of view, even if it does not immediately speak to our preferred outcome.
Proverbs 18:17 warns, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” In all this political rhetoric, let us not be swayed by eloquent speeches promising outlandish action, but rather, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Sometimes we need to wrestle with God about our opinions until we know where to find the greater good.
Participating in the election process is no light matter. As a faith community, we are called to rise above what is convenient and quick. This requires careful discernment, made all the richer through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be truly fruitful, it should be a selfless process in response to our relationship with God.