Rob Chambers
AFA Action national field director
April 2016 – Voters have begun the process of choosing the next U.S. president in the primary and caucus elections leading up to the general election in November. For a Christian citizen, finding the ideal presidential candidate must begin with prayer for wisdom and discernment. And despite today’s politically correct mindset, a candidate’s moral character and integrity matter.
Not a democracy?
An ideal presidential candidate and voters alike must understand that America is not a pure democracy in which the ideas of a majority rule. The Founding Fathers called that “mobocracy” or mob rule.
“Pure democracy cannot subsist long nor be carried far into the departments of state,” said John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence. “It is very subject to caprice and the madness of popular rage.” Today this madness is manifested in candidates who promote abortion and sexual immorality. Unfortunately, we are in a country where evil is called good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).
America is a constitutional republic based on the rule of law. The country is guided by unchanging principles. James Wilson, signer of the Constitution and a U. S. Supreme Court Justice, said, “All [laws], however, may be arranged in two different classes. 1) Divine. 2) Human. … But it should always be remembered that this law, natural or revealed, made for men or for nations, flows from the same Divine source: it is the law of God. … Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is Divine.”
The ideal presidential candidate knows these key principles and concepts our country was founded on and maintains that they are true today. These concepts are what made it possible for America to become great, prosperous, and free.
Once in office
Once elected, the ideal candidate evaluates policy issues on the basis of these principles and explains and promotes them on that basis. He or she persuades people to support these principles, defends citizens’ rights and freedoms, and fights against contrary agendas. This candidate advances policy diplomatically, but manages the political process so that liberty and just causes are advanced, not hindered.
At one time this ideal candidate was the norm in America, though none have ever been perfect. It is imperative that all who love freedom pray that God will raise up such candidates in all political races, especially the race for the highest office in the land. 
LEADERSHIP BY THE BOOK
▶ Loves righteousness and hates iniquity, a person of truth (Exodus 18:21)
▶ Is known to be wise in the fear (respect) of the Lord and His word (Exodus 18:21; Deuteronomy 1:13; 17:15)
▶ Seeks truth rather than prestige or personal profit and power (Deuteronomy 1:17; 2 Chronicles 19:6-7)
▶ Will not succumb to flattery or be bought by favors or bribery (Deuteronomy 16:19)
▶ Will put the best interests of the people above the pressures of private and special interests (Deuteronomy 17:17; Leviticus 19:15)
▶ Will seek justice, knowing that justice will be found only in obedience to God's holy word (Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Samuel 23:3)
▶ Is blameless, without scandal in personal or public life (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Exodus 20:1-17)
▶ Is not easily swayed, firmly grounded in the Bible, and strong in the faith; not covetous (1 Timothy 3:3)
▶ Governs self and household well (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Proverbs 25:28)
▶ Exercises sound judgment; acts to uphold God's purposes for and principles of self and civil government
(1 Timothy 3:6-7; Mark 12:16-17).
For a voter guide on the presidential candidates and their stand on moral issues, go to afaaction.net.
