With local, statewide and national elections coming up throughout the year, it’s definitely political season in Alabama.

Some might disagree with me, but I almost never talk politics from the pulpit.

I don’t like the way politicians use religion to gain and keep power.

And I don’t like the way Christians allow themselves to be used as pawns in their game.

Politicians exploit the issues of abortion, homosexuality and gambling.

They know if they profess to stand on the right (meaning biblical) side of those issues, they can get the support of most religious leaders, and, consequently, their followers. And the opposite also is true.

Personally, I believe and stand behind what the Bible says on all those issues.

I also understand that the consequences of an election reach deeper than a candidate’s personal beliefs. A candidate who supports abortion can become an officeholder who supports taxpayer dollars being used for abortions. As taxpayers, Christians believe we should have a say in keeping our money from paying for things we don’t agree with.

But, the way to lift moral standards is not by changing laws or choosing certain elected officials. You lift moral standards by reaching hearts for Christ. That’s the point of the Great Commission in Matthew 28.

The problem is that the Great Commission requires work. It’s much easier to listen to campaign rhetoric, fill in the line next to the “good guy’s” name, and wait for rainbows to appear.

But how many candidates who said the right thing about abortion, homosexuality and gambling ended up being lawmakers who misused our money, cheated on their wives and generally dishonored the office?

How many potentially great public servants were never elected because they didn’t check all the right boxes as candidates?

Who knows? As Christians, who cares?

No, on the rare occasions I talk politics from the pulpit, I try to be guided by Scripture.

Jesus never looked to government to change the culture or make people morally good. Neither should we.

Some ministers disagree with me. They say we need to vote to “take our country back” from the gays and pro-choicers, and that “God will punish a sinful nation.”

Frankly, I don’t believe God needs a particular politician in office to accomplish his will.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Prov. 21:1)

We never would have voted for Pharaoh or King Ahasuerus or Nebuchadnezzar or Herod, but God used each of those men and their time of rule to bring glory to himself.

That’s why I never direct congregants to vote for one candidate or against another. I simply encourage them to vote, and then pray for all our elected leaders — black or white, Republican or Democrat.

Why would I waste time preaching about politicians when the Bible says Jesus is the answer?

No, I don’t talk much about politics from the pulpit.

I have a higher calling.