We’ve talked about a healthy view of politics and what issues the Bible prioritizes, which brings us today to the ballot box. How can we pick wisely, even when at times, we’re not happy with the choices?

First ask where a candidate stands on the issues? What are their political values? Remember there will always be trade-offs. You’ll never find a candidate you agree with on everything, so choose the issues that matter to you most.

What is their experience? Especially pay attention to their experience in politics. Getting things done in business or in the military is not the same as getting legislation through the political process.

Are they competent? Do they have the skills necessary to do the job? Are they intelligent and wise? Hardworking and faithful? Diplomatic and persuasive? Empathetic and committed to the common good? Able to work well with others?

Are they a person of character? Our default position, when it comes to politics, is to think about where a candidate stands on the issues. But there’s something even more important. As much as policies matter, character matters more.

In the Old Testament Ezekiel (34:2-16) harshly criticized leaders who took care of themselves but ignored the needs of the people. He warned that those who failed to provide moral leadership, physical protection, and care for the weak and wounded, would be held accountable, even removed from office in order that the people be protected and cared for and led to a place of peace and prosperity.

Paul (Gal. 5:22-23) said that a life that pleases God is a virtuous life characterized by qualities such as love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

How can we judge character? Look at how a leader has acted in the past. What do they do when no one is looking? How do they treat those around them? How do they treat those they disagree with? How do they handle disappointment? Are they humble?

We’re not going to find saints (we’re not saints!). And whoever we elect, even the best possible candidates are flawed. But we must do the best we can to judge the character of the those we’re choosing. There have been politicians whose competence in office was greater than expected. But there’s rarely been a politician whose character was better in office than it was in life up to then.

When it comes to elections, we should do what we can to understand the biblical principles that ought to shape good public policy. And we need to learn what we can about the candidates running for office so we can choose wisely. In light of the inherent failures of human governments, how can we be good citizens?

First, put your hope in God, not in politics: Jesus is the hope of the world, not a candidate or political party. Many on both sides of the aisle share the same utopian belief that if we work hard and enact smart policies things will get better. But the Bible tells us that our hope is not in government, but in God. It tells us that our ultimate allegiance is to God not a candidate or political party. Our ultimate hope is in God alone.

Second, pray. Prayer must not be an afterthought; an “oh, yeah, of course we should pray.” You see, God listens to our prayers and prayer changes things. And he tells to pray for our leaders: “I urge, then… that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Paul wrote these words while sitting in a Roman prison. History tells us he was later executed by Nero, the Emperor at the time. Yet he told those he was writing to, to pray for the very man who one day would take his life.

Jesus tells us to pray daily: “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.” To pray that our leaders would pursue righteousness, justice and peace. To pray that they would pass laws that would restrain evil, protect the vulnerable, and work for the good of all.

Next, we need to act like Christians: No matter who wins or loses the next election we can live the life Jesus asks us to live. He doesn’t tell us to complain or take to Twitter and rant. Instead he wants us to care for the vulnerable among us, to love our neighbors, to give sacrificially, and serve joyfully. He asks us to be the kind of people whose hearts are so changed that we love the things he loves and care about the people he cares about. To show respect for all, even those with whom we have deep disagreements. And we can do all these things regardless of who is in the White House or governor’s mansion.

We also need to be realistic: Politics is messy and our founders wanted it that way. They thought it was the best way to balance the interests of different groups. No one would ever get everything they wanted, but they’d be a part of a process which should give them at least a part. Half a loaf is better than nothing at all. We often lose in the political process because we can’t accept partial victories. A law that’s 40% better is better than nothing at all. That’s because politics is the art of the possible. While compromise is often derided, it is possible to settle for partial solutions without sacrificing core principles.

And remember politics is limited. Government cannot and should not attempt to solve all social problems. Our greatest need is not for good government, as important as that might be, but for ordinary people living virtuous lives.

Get involved: At City Church we encourage everyone to live out faith in the broader culture. For some of you it will be business. For others it’s the arts. Others education or health care. And, we hope, a few in politics. Politics may be your calling. Everyone should vote, but we need some to get directly involved. To do the hard work of understanding the issues. Of building relationships. And working hard to see policies that align with the values of the kingdom of God. Politics is a way to serve God. It may not be for everyone, but it should be for some.

Practice civility: It’s so easy to demonize those you disagree with. To take to Facebook with a few clever putdowns and dismissive soundbites. But you do so at the risk of your own soul. Don’t fall prey to the temptation to dehumanize your opponents. Instead be gracious and loving. Avoid harsh words and actions and a spirit of anger and strife. Beware careful of combining strong emotion with a sense of righteousness. It’s toxic. Treat others with respect and never condemn. Name-calling, half-truths, and exaggerations have no place in political discourse. And yes, speak the truth, but do so in love. It’s important to speak prophetically about important issues – life, human sexuality, poverty, materialism, the environment and economic justice – but always do so with mercy and compassion and with words of hope.