Elections are like an exciting sports game – the build up, the contest and the post match analysis. The result however is more important than even a world cup rugby game. Some Kiwi Christians are passionate about politics while others shun the whole business. Some vote on the basis of a few moral issues and ignore the big picture. Some just don’t care.

But we Christians should care greatly about our country, who’s leading it and where. God has blessed us with a real democracy which is both a privilege and a big responsibility. We should make an effort to be well informed, to read, listen, watch and discuss important issues with people who hold different views.

If Christians don’t vote we lose by default; we let those who don’t believe in the justice and compassion of Jesus make the decisions. Our two votes may not seem important but together NZ Christians have the numbers to exert a real influence. And voting isn’t all we can do. We can write letters, hold discussions, question MPs, or even start a new party.

Christians are scattered across the political spectrum and are vocal about different issues. But surely there are some central issues where we can speak with one voice – like caring for the poor and oppressed.

There are over 2000 verses in the Bible about looking after the poor, the widows, the sick, the “least of these your brothers and sisters”. It’s central to our faith not an add-on. Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew 25. When we look after the needy we’re serving him, when we ignore them we’re ignoring Jesus who will in turn disown us.

So before you vote – find out where your candidate and party stand on helping the poor, here in New Zealand and overseas. Find out what your party is going to do about overseas aid. NZ has promised to give at least 0.7% of our gross national income to fight poverty worldwide. At the moment we’re barely giving half of that and are one of the meanest countries in the OECD.

This election vote all your values – moral, social, environmental – bearing in mind that Jesus was most concerned with the down and outers in his society. And please remember your vote is for a party not against one. Vote for party X because you know and agree with their policies not because you’re angry with party Y.

No political party fully lines up with Christianity. They all prioritise different policies depending on what they think is most important – and what will win them votes! Right wing or left wing, parties act on what they are hearing from their supporters. They need to hear from you what you think ought to be priorities. Unfortunately we can’t vote for Jesus – he’s not standing – but we can serve him by voting wisely with our hearts and heads, by being well informed and voting all our values.