Well . . . it’s election time here in the United States and we have been inundated with many reactions, projections, opinions, talking points, from every side of the spectrum. I can tell you this, lots of people are incredibly concerned about the future of our country and their personal futures. This is totally understandable.
I believe that most people are just like you and me. They care about their kids and their neighborhoods. They care about the economy and taking care of their elderly parents. They care about hunger and disease and war. In addition, we as Believers care about people’s relationship with God. I honestly believe that most people – if they had the chance want to live quiet and decent lives. (1 Tim 2:2. . . that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.) Most people if they had the chance would be good neighbors and good citizens.
Having said all that – it is also true that there are a lot of bad people out there who don’t care for others and have no problem breaking the law and doing injury to others. Because of that, God has set up governments and rulers in this world . . . really He has. Romans 13:1 says that “there is no authority except that which God has established.” so, what do we as Believers in Christ do about the upcoming election? I’ve gotten this question a lot lately.
People haven’t asked me who I’m voting for as much as “what’s my take on the whole process?” So, I thought I’d share it with you and let you make up your own mind. Remember, I am a “bullet points” sort of guy and I am addressing folks who have made a commitment to Jesus:
Here’s what we need to remember:
- God is in control
- He’s not worried or freaking out about the election
- He is the Almighty and He is Sovereign
- We are not to be anxious about anything
- Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Politics – by their very nature are divisive
- as a Believer in Christ – I realize that there are already barriers to sharing my faith with others
- if I make politics my major focus – I build even more barriers to cross before I can speak about Jesus
- so, I choose to represent Jesus before I represent a particular political party
- We must also be good citizens and vote
- it is our duty to vote
- it is our obligation to study the issues – with the Bible as our lens – and our godly conscience as our guide
- In politics there is never the perfect candidate
- we will always compromise on some of the issues
- we need to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”
- we need to pick a candidate from a group of “electable” nominees that best represents our values
- we could maintain a standard that is so high and vote for that person – but they will never have a realistic shot at winning . . . what a waste of a vote . . .
- We are not electing our pastor
- Jesus said “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”
- let’s keep these separate: the world and the Kingdom of God
- we are “in the world but not of the world”
- It really shouldn’t matter to us who wins
- stay with me on this one folks
- in the 1st century Rome was the most brutal regime the world had ever known and the early church – the Christians turned the world upside down!
- In fact, harsh times made it easier for people to turn to Christ
- Chinese Christians say that Mao Se Tung (the brutal Communist Dictator) was the person who helped bring so many people to Jesus
- we have a job to do – for Eternity’s sake – regardless of who’s in power . . .
- Light shines most brightly in the darkness.
- We are to pray for our leaders – no matter who they are
- it’s all a matter of perspective
- do we see things from God’s view or this world’s?
Listen, when folks were hurting, they turned to Jesus.
- When they were sick they asked Him to heal them.
- When they were concerned about provision, Jesus promised that the Father would meet their needs.
- When their loved ones died, He wept with them.
Let’s be people that represent Jesus well . . .
so that no matter what is going on in the world
folks will still turn to Him.
Love you Guys,
Steve 🙂