Would You Vote for an Atheist?… My musings this weekend are about atheists. Why? Because as I look at what Russia has done to its own people with restrictions on faith, and Putin who is an atheist, I realize what happens when someone is the head of a nation with no faith values at all, no matter what faith they would claim.

I went back to my ‘articles to keep file’ because one written by Alex Bersin (Moody Bible Institute 8/12/2015), is perfect for “such a time like this.” Bersin takes us into the bible in a way we don’t use in how we think of governments. You may not like it, but the bible isn’t wrong. So read this with an open mind that sometimes is difficult when you and the Bible may be “at odds.” Here goes:

“If public opinion is any indication, we could have our first atheist president in a few years. Some 50 years ago, only 18 percent of Americans would vote for an atheist. But according to a June Gallup poll, that number has increased to 58 percent. (For comparison, 73 percent said they would vote for an evangelical Christian.) Some find this troubling because they don’t think God would want them to vote for an unbeliever. Wouldn’t God’s first choice for leadership be a Christian? To answer that, we need to consider how God has distributed His authority throughout history.

First of all, Scripture teaches that all authority is established by God and that God is the one who raises up the rulers of the world…this doesn’t only apply to the nations and rulers who obey Him. Even those who oppose God are a part of God’s plan. The ancient nation of Assyria, after all, was described as the rod of God’s anger. Clearly, the God who cannot look upon evil is still able to use it for His purposes then and today.

Secondly, God not only uses unbelieving nations, He expects us to submit to them. We might be tempted to say that our submission is contingent on the government’s adherence to Biblical values, but we find no such condition in Scripture. (A rare instance: when the apostles defied the censorship of the Gospel.) Instead, we’re told to submit to every human authority because God is sovereign over them all. What’s more, we’re to continue to submit even if they persecute us.

Even those who oppose God are a part of God’s plan. Thirdly, God demands that we give our unbelieving leaders whatever they deserve. When Jesus said to render to Caesar, Paul expanded on that to include not only taxes but also respect and honor. Some say that respect is earned; thus, leaders who don’t believe in Jesus can’t be worthy of our respect. But that’s not what Paul said. He said respect was owed. We don’t get to pick and choose who deserves our regard because the authorities God has established demand it, regardless of their beliefs. And in voting, as Micah Watson says, “we perform the minimum of our civic duty by electing, respecting and empowering those public servants who give their full attention to governing.”

If authority isn’t dependent on belief, nor submission dependent on Biblical adherence, or respect dependent on merit, then we’re left with little reason to say that a Christian should not vote for an atheist simply for being an atheist. The only reason to not vote for them would be the same as for anyone else: because we don’t believe they would be the best leader for the country. And we’re free to do so as we see fit. But as soon as we include religious beliefs in our voting criteria, we’ve limited God’s will to whatever we think it ought to be. And if God’s past voting record is any indication, God’s choices often surprise us.” 

OK, if you are like me, you’re squirming and already trying to make a rebuttal. I get that, especially as I watch what is happening in Ukraine, as well as our country and the world. What should we believers do—believe that God is orchestrating everything that happens, period! You see that Bible history, yet we think today’s times are not written in the bible so we have “different circumstances.” Sorry, scripture does not say our times are different from what people have encountered since the Fall in the garden of Eden. Sin still prevails and the only antidote we have is the saving grace of Jesus Christ who died for our sins and gives us the hope of eternity.

God is watching what is happening right now in this unprovoked war upon Ukraine. I don’t know what God wants us to do yet, but I believe if we listen God will tell us. Will it be “boots on the ground” “nuclear war” or? None of us know, but here is the good news, God knows, and God will give the wisdom needed. In fact, we can already see God at work in the people of Ukraine, many are people of faith, knowing God is their shield and armor. Like them, our job is prayer—deep and unceasing prayer.

Let’s end with Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, chapter 5:13-22. I’m using the Message here because of its bluntness, which perhaps we need right now. Take this in, and then get on your knees in prayer, not just for Ukraine but for our world, AMEN.

And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! 

Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. 

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 

Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.