Noah Webster,1758 - 1843,
on how to choose a candidate...
In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate - look at his character. The Scriptures teach that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, men of truth, hating covetousness. It is to the neglect of this rule that we must ascribe the multiplied frauds, breaches of trust, and embezzlements of public property which tarnish the character of our country and disgrace government. When a citizen gives his vote to a man of known immorality, he abuses his civic responsibility; he sacrifices not only his interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country."
Noah Webster, 1823
Choosing Candidates For
Public Office
John C. Talcott, Jr.
"He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." —2 Samuel 23:3
Ibelieve our nation, the United States of America, is at the crossroads – we need to choose God’s way now, or we shall continue on the road to destruction just like other nations preceding us. Many selfish and ungodly men and women have been running our nation; we need to change this by voting in God-fearing righteous persons to replace them.
What should one look for in political candidates seeking office? A few words of caution:
• Don’t select a candidate by party affiliation, for all parties have both good and corrupt individuals within the organization.
• Don’t select a candidate by his appearance, good looks, etc.
• Don’t select a candidate by what he says or promises he will do, for this is often meaningless when he gets into office.
• Don’t select a candidate just because you know him or some friend of yours knows him.
• Don’t pick a candidate because he is the smartest person or has had the most experience in politics.
• Don’t select a candidate because he says he is a Christian - most all will profess to be Christian since they live in a so-called Christian nation.
Of course, the best candidate is the committed, qualified, God-fearing Christian who is seeking office not to further his own interests, but to please God and to serve his community, state or nation justly and honestly. In many cases, the electorate may not have the choice of a qualified, born-again Christian candidate!
What do we look for then? First, we have to inquire more about the candidates, learn their qualifications: Does the person have an affiliation with a church or Christian organization? But, more importantly, does he or she have a sterling character? Is he a person of high principles? Is he seeking to serve his electorate as a statesman, not seeking the rewards accorded politicians? Finally, is he honest? Is he humble? Is he willing to stand up for the right even though he may lose?
When you have a comparison of the qualifications of the candidate, pray to God about the matter, asking Him to give you His wisdom; particularly if two or more candidates seem to be about equal in their qualifications. Once you feel sure of the answer in your heart, promote and endorse the person of God’s choice and be sure you cast your own vote in the election.
I am reminded that some choices seem impossible to make; neither one is a good choice. What do we do in such a case? Ask yourself: Which person would the devil want more in this office? Upon determining that, vote for the other candidate, the lesser evil of the two.
Lastly, remember by praying and fasting with God’s people for our nation, we present a channel through which God can work.
John C.Talcott, Jr. served as the founding president of Intercessors for America. He authored the above article for IFA’s first election-year newsletter in 1974.
