Election Day is this Tuesday.

Some of the local campaigns in my county have become especially vicious. The level of vitriol seems to be completely out of proportion for the elected positions being contested, with personal attacks and unfounded accusations flying freely.

Some of those running for office are professed Christians, making me ponder the role of religion in politics.

It seems to me a Christian running for office is at a bit of a disadvantage. He or she is bound by faith to honor God in the running of a campaign. This means acting with love toward political enemies and praying for even those who are attacking and persecuting them [Matt. 5:44].

So, while the opponent slings mud and does his best to destroy both his competition’s reputation and future, the Christian can only play defense, rather than counterattack.

In politics, a defensive posture doesn’t win a lot of votes, so while the Christian candidate tries to run on his own character and experience, his opponent runs unfettered by such convictions, freely lobbing baseless charges and innuendo as he goes.

This can be frustrating for the Christian candidate and his or her supporters.

I comfort myself in the knowledge that God is in control of even these small county elections and his justice will eventually prevail.

There will be rewards for every Christian who remains obedient and faithful, even in politics. Thank God.