We are in the final stretch of a very contentious presidential cycle. The two candidates vying for American votes couldn’t be more different than day and night, and we’re not talking about race or gender. They represent two almost diametrically opposite political views and two different visions for the future of the United States of America. What’s more challenging for people of the Christian faith is the question, “How can you be a witness to the gospel in casting your vote when neither party or candidate is fully committed to Christian values?” Dr. James Spencer advises that they do what Jesus said to His disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” In other words, be informed but still bow to the authority of God to whom also the government is under, even if it doesn’t operate that way. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Dr. Spencer, best-selling author and president of the D.L. Moody Center in Northfield, MA, talks about his new book written for just a moment as this, “Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness.” This “Serpents & Doves” directive is like threading a needle. It brings up the very problematic New Testament Bible verse about God giving government authority, Romans 13. Spencer explains how believers should interpret it, and why it’s so important to understand its ramifications and how to stay true to your faith values when casting your vote.
