When it comes time to vote, many Christians feel overwhelmed. Campaign ads are loud. Social media is chaotic. Every candidate claims to offer hope and change. So where do you even begin?

Scripture gives us more guidance than we might think.

In Exodus 18:21, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, offers wise counsel for leadership among the people of Israel:

“…look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”

Though this instruction was given in a specific historical context, it reveals timeless principles about the kind of leaders God approves. It provides a simple, biblical framework Christians can use when evaluating candidates today.

Here are four questions to prayerfully consider before casting your vote:

1) Is this person able and competent to do the job?

Ability matters. Good intentions are not enough. Leadership requires wisdom, skill, diligence, and the capacity to govern effectively. Competence is an excellent place to begin. 

2) Does he fear God, or will he cave to the pressure of men?

A leader who fears man will eventually bow to cultural pressure, political winds, or public outrage. A leader who fears God understands that he answers to a higher authority. The fear of the Lord produces courage, conviction, and steadiness.

3) Is he worthy of trust, or is he double-tongued?

Trustworthiness is foundational. Does this person keep his word? Does he speak plainly and consistently? Or does he shift positions depending on the audience?

4) Does he hate a bribe, or will he be bought by someone with deep pockets?

Corruption perverts justice. If a candidate will be swayed based on what is in it for him, it’s a clear sign that he’s not fit for the office. Public service is not self service. 

“But I don’t have any candidates like that…”

You may be thinking, I don’t have anyone like this to choose from. All my options are bad.

If that is you, it may be time to think beyond the ballot in front of you.

Perhaps the answer is to actively support a Christian who is running for office–someone who meets the standards of Exodus 18:21. Or perhaps it is time to encourage a faithful believer you know to consider running. Or maybe that faithful believer is you. 

Political frustration can either produce cynicism or action. At Red State Reform, one of our central goals is to raise up Christians to run for office–men who will fear God rather than man, who cannot be bought, and who will lead with courage and integrity.

The question is not merely, Who should I vote for?
The deeper question is, What kind of leaders should we be raising up?

May the Lord be pleased to raise up godly, Christian public servants who will glorify the Lord and uphold justice.