AS a Christian I have grappled with the challenge of who to support politically.

After much consideration my view of all political parties can be summarised by a verse from the Book of Daniel: “…you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” 5:27 (NASB).

That is not to say that I think that politics is wrong or that politicians are bad, it is just that as a Christian I hold strong views and finding a single party that shares my view on every issue is impossible. However, this is not an excuse to avoid voting.

Stephen Covey points out that every issue is in one of two spheres. The sphere of concern is those issues we worry about but can do nothing about, while the sphere of influence encompasses those issues where we can make a difference.

While I may have to leave issues like social care, global poverty and world peace to the Government by voting and God through prayer, I can personally make a difference by looking in on an elderly neighbour, donating to charity or being more tolerant.

In this way my politics and religion can exist in harmony.