There’s a recurring narrative in modern politics that many Christians and the general public seem to fall for: voting for a candidate because they would be the “first” to accomplish something historic. Values are placed on the back burner. Whether it’s the first woman, the first person of a certain race, or the first individual from a particular background, this kind of voting has become a shallow but powerful force in elections.

I get it—on the surface, it sounds exciting. People feel a certain sense of progress when they cast their vote for someone who would break through some kind of glass ceiling. But is it really progress? Progress is more of a creation of someone’s idea. This is a dangerous way of thinking for Christians, especially when the candidate’s policies conflict with biblical values.

Why “Making History” Is Not the Goal

We need to remind ourselves that elections are not about symbolic achievements. They’re about leadership, governance, and the implementation of policies that will affect every aspect of our lives. The goal of voting should never be about checking off a historical box. It should always be about selecting the person who will lead in a way that aligns with our values—values rooted in Scripture.

Think about it: Would you choose a doctor, a lawyer, or a pastor solely based on the fact that they would be the first person of a certain gender, race, or background to fill that role? Of course not. You would want the person who is most qualified and who will uphold the highest standards of the profession. The same logic should apply when we vote.

What good is electing someone based on their potential to make history if their policies will ultimately undermine the values that shape society? Just because someone would be the “first” doesn’t mean they’re the best person for the job.

Values Over Identity

Voting based on someone’s identity—whether race, gender, or background—is a form of shallow voting. It’s a distraction from the real issues at hand: the candidate’s policies. What will this person do when they are in office? How will their policies shape the future of the country, and do those policies align with your Christian values?

The reality is that policies have long-term consequences. A candidate may seem appealing because they would break barriers, but if they support policies that promote abortion, restrict religious freedom, or undermine the family structure, is that really progress? Is that the kind of history we want to make?

We must ask ourselves hard questions: What good is it to elect the first woman, the first minority, or the first anything, if that person’s policies lead to moral decline, economic instability, and a weakening of family values? Would such a historic achievement truly benefit society, or would it simply give us a moment of superficial satisfaction before leading us down a path of destruction?

The Danger of Identity Politics

This form of voting, often referred to as “identity politics,” has taken hold of our culture, but it’s a dangerous mindset. It reduces candidates to their identity – race, sex, gender, sexual attraction, etc., rather than focusing on their capabilities and their policies. Voting based on identity puts the emphasis on who the person is rather than what they stand for, what they believe, or how they will govern.

From a Christian perspective, this is troubling. The Bible teaches that we are all made in God’s image, and while our individual identities matter, they should not be the primary lens through which we make decisions about leadership. What matters most is whether someone is willing to uphold godly principles—truth, justice, righteousness—not whether they check off a demographic box.

This is not to say that diversity in leadership is unimportant. But diversity should come naturally, as a byproduct of selecting leaders who are competent and whose policies align with the values we hold. It should not be the driving force behind our decision-making. If it is, we run the risk of electing leaders who may look historic, but whose policies could erode the very foundation of our society.

The Long-Term Consequences

Imagine a scenario where someone votes for a candidate because that person would be the first of their kind to hold office. Now imagine that same candidate implements policies that undermine religious freedom, push radical social agendas into schools, or allow for the continued devaluation of human life through abortion.

It’s not hard to see how a historic election could quickly turn into a historic disaster for the country. What kind of society will your children grow up in if those kinds of policies take root? Will the excitement of a historic “first” be worth the long-term damage to the values you hold dear?

By prioritizing identity over policy, we may end up voting for a future that is increasingly hostile to the principles of life, liberty, and justice that we should champion.

Voting Responsibly

As Christians, we have a responsibility to look beyond the surface. Elections are not about symbolism; they’re about stewardship. God has given us a unique opportunity to influence the direction of our nation through voting. But with that opportunity comes responsibility—the responsibility to vote in a way that honors God, protects the vulnerable, and upholds the values of life, liberty, and biblical justice.

Voting for someone just because they would be the first to achieve something historic is a form of shallow voting. It’s an emotional decision that ignores the real issues at hand. Instead, we need to evaluate candidates based on their policies, their track record, and their alignment with the principles that Scripture calls us to uphold. The Bible warns us in Proverbs 14:34 that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”

The Bigger Picture

In the end, we must recognize that the real history-making moments are not about who we elect, but about what those leaders do once they are in office. History will be shaped by the policies they implement, the laws they pass, and the values they promote.

So the next time you find yourself considering a candidate because they would be the first to achieve something, take a step back and ask yourself: What kind of policies will they pursue? Will they uphold life, liberty, and biblical justice? Or will they lead the nation in a direction that conflicts with your faith?

Don’t be swayed by the allure of making history for its own sake. And please don’t disregard your faith, setting it aside while you decide who to vote for. True progress comes not from breaking barriers alone, but from electing leaders who will advance policies that honor God and protect the well-being of future generations.