"Vote for George W. Bush!" "Vote for John Kerry!" The 2004 presidential election is being fought over the television and radio airwaves, the movies and the Internet. Both Democrats and Republicans are spending millions of dollars to get control over the government of the United States of America.

How would Jesus vote? What should His followers do in the midst of this political "war"? Many people, with good intentions, seek to find a candidate whose platform opposes immorality such as abortion and homosexual marriage. Some may seek out a candidate who promises social justice and to help the needy. Political agendas are very complicated and the truth is that no political party has an agenda that is fully compatible with biblical teaching.

This issue has been around a long time. Way back in October 1956 Herbert W. Armstrong wrote about "How Would Jesus Vote for President?" He said:

"What would Jesus do? He would be too busy proclaiming the good news of His own coming world-ruling Kingdom, and the way of salvation, to take any part whatsoever in the politics of this present evil world, or in any manmade form of government that is doomed very soon to be destroyed and replaced by the theocratic government of the Kingdom of God!"

We are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) and must live "peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18), pay our taxes (Mark 12:17) and be "subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). That is how a Christian is to relate to the governments of this world.

Our ultimate "citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20), and we must exercise our constitutional right to fully trust in God's will and zealously preach the gospel message of the soon-coming Jesus Christ who will not rely on politicking or votes to gain power. Instead "the kingdoms of this world [will] become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). His will be a government of true justice and mercy and loving service (Mark 10:42-45).

For more information on why a Christian shouldn't participate in the politics of this world, read UCG's paper titled "Voting and Involvement in Politics" (www.ucg.org/papers).

The concluding section of the paper says: "The United Church of God, an International Association, maintains its traditional teaching that a Christian should avoid voting and participating in political elections and running for public office. The Church does not declare voting, itself, to be a sin. However this does not change the teaching and judgment of the Church regarding what's in our collective best interest.

"Even if one does not vote, division can still result if one brings his political preferences to Church. The act of not voting in the elections of this world, in agreement with the principles given above, is not an end in itself. Even more fundamentally important for members of the Church, and serving as an underlying reason for not voting or running for a public office, is promoting peace within the Church, not division over vote-related issues. There is also the clear issue of coming out of this world."

We do not need to fear that our not voting will result in the wrong man being elected. The Bible proclaims that "the authorities [governmental leaders] that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1). God knows who will fulfill His plan on this earth and will place that person in office.