Choosing the Lesser of Two Evils

The argument goes like this: When you choose between the lesser of two evils, you are still choosing evil.

It is a political year and people are trying to justify their candidates. Therefore, the most despicable people are defended with, "No one is perfect!" Somehow that helps Christians get past the obvious flaws in their candidates.

The lack of perfect candidates doesn't mean that there aren't good candidates. King David was not perfect but he was characterized as a man after God's own heart. He failed but repented.  There would never have been anyone to lead God's people if perfection was the criteria.

People want to characterize others by one act. One lie makes you a liar they say. But does it? If you tell the truth 99% of the time, most people will say you are honest. Or there are no honest people on this earth!

I took a physics course one time that only rewarded you for getting 100% correct. Anything else was a failure. You had to pass the test on that material or you couldn't take the next test. The tests were all different. The professor failed me for an addition error on one of the tests. I didn't think it was an accurate reflection of my physics knowledge. I did the problems right. I did the addition wrong.

When I look at a political candidate I am not looking for perfection. I am looking for character. Would I consider this candidate truthful? Will this candidate do what he or she says? Is this candidate known by the fruit of the Spirit? The candidate doesn't need to be perfect. He or she must be characterized by virtue.

I am not looking for a theocracy. However, I need to know that the candidate that I vote for has the character to lead our country. I need to know that he or she will do what is right rather than what is politically advantageous. I'd like to have someone who sees themselves as a servant of the people rather than one who is looking for the people to serve him or her.

Maybe I am unrealistic but I can't choose the lesser of two evils.

So, I pray for the candidates. I pray that those who are in the lead will receive new hearts or that there will be those who are in the lead who have new hearts.