Article May 21, 1984 Issue

Spiritual discernment and political elections

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

Elections can offer a prime opportunity not just to form opinions about candidates, but also to pray deeply about government and leadership. In an age where the communications media often shape the image of a candidate, it may seem difficult to discern the right individual for the job. Even in Biblical times it wasn't always easy to tell who was best.

When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint one of Jesse's sons to replace King Saul, Samuel thought that Eliab must surely be God's choice. "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."^{I Sam. 16:7.} Ultimately, David, the youngest, was anointed and proved to be a great leader.

We may not be able to look inside someone's heart, but we can pray for spiritual discernment. Instead of focusing on the personalities involved, we can consider the candidates, not only on the basis of their viewpoint and expertise in areas of concern, but on the basis of the moral and spiritual qualities they express. As Mrs. Eddy explains, "Right thoughts and deeds are the sovereign remedies for all earth's woe."^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 283.}