Although many thousands of people will be watching the presidential debates this fall, many other Americans are tempted to turn the channel — the bickering, blaming, and back-and-forth are almost too much to bear.

But for this first debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Americans should not only watch but also have handy a list of eight election considerations.

This presidential election is perhaps like no other — Christian voters, pastors, and churches have a huge stake in the outcome. Not voting means not only throwing away our privilege and duty to vote, but also essentially casting a vote for someone who may do more harm to the country than good. All of us have both the biblical and the civil responsibility to not only vote but to take our values — and some serious considerations — to the polls with us.

Here is a list of eight considerations, both for the Monday night debate and the others that follow it — and for the election on Nov. 8:

1.) Remember that “the perfect is the enemy of the good.”
God can use any presidential candidate for His purpose; all candidates are flawed. Will we allow these flaws, which we all have, to make us cast a protest vote or not vote at all?

2.) Will my life be better or worse under this president?
When people are given this line to fill in — “My outlook on the culture as a whole compared to 10 years ago is …” — about 96 percent reported they felt “worse” about the culture, with the remaining reporting they felt “better” or “the same.”

Related: People of Faith Are ‘Deplorable” to the Left

3.) Will this president protect my religious freedom?
What are the candidates’ plans for preserving the religious liberties on which the country was founded, especially as more and more freedoms are being taken away?

4.) How will this candidate protect life?
Abortion, euthanasia, and other life matters have historically been important issues for voters — and 2016 is no different. While the Republican platform is one of the most pro-life in the party’s history, the Democratic platform asserts that a woman has the right to abort her unborn child — a black mark on the nation since Roe v. Wade in 1973.

5.) Will this candidate protect our country?
The safety and defense of the country is of paramount importance. National security and recognition of those who seek to harm America must be a priority for the next president.

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6.) Who will this president appoint to the Supreme Court?
Appointments to the court have longstanding impact — this is perhaps one of the most important considerations of the election. Justices appointed under the next president — whether liberal or conservative — will make long-lasting decisions for several decades.

Related: Bungling the Bible for Political Gain

7.) Will this president protect the financial resources with which God has entrusted us?
Many people are struggling in today’s economy, and many policies could be enacted to ease the financial burden on Americans. All human beings long to have the dignity that comes with providing for their family.

8.) Will I feel good about the decisions this president will make?
Overall, will I still be proud that I voted the way I did in four or eight years? And, more importantly, did I carefully consider my vote in prayer?

Clinton’s recent “deplorables” comment reflects an even broader concern and scope — namely how liberals and progressives view not only those who trust in God, but God Himself.

Dr. Alex McFarland is a national radio talk show host, speaker, and author of 17 books, including the newest release, “Stand Strong America.” He serves as director for Christian Worldview and Apologetics at the Christian Worldview Center of North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina.