Election day is here and I hope and pray you voted your beliefs today. I’m sure you’ve heard it said over and over that as Americans it is a privilege to vote. And I do believe that, so I’m not trying to belittle that saying. But as Christians sometimes we wonder about our role in politics and national or global affairs.
Did you know that God has told us in His Word how Christians should respond to elections?
Does that surprise you? Well it really shouldn’t. God’s Word is our guide for all of life-even how we respond to government and politics. So what does it say? Christians should pray for our country-especially during the election.
Christians should pray for our country-especially during elections.
Now this should be a no-brainer. As Christians, prayer is our battle weapon. And it works! We should be praying for leaders. James 5:16 tells us “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” We also see in Jeremiah 29:7 “and pray to the LORD for [the country]”. Unfortunately, I think that we have not prayed as we should for our country.
How often do you call out the names of the President, Vice President, and local leaders to the Almighty? How often do you pray for God to grant them wisdom and discernment as they lead our nation? How often do you pray for others to be placed in their path that will guide them closer to God? I must admit, I fall short. I do this far too little!
Christians should be active in elections, government and politics.
Now I’m pretty sure we would all agree on praying for the country, but being active in politics? Does God really tell us that in His Word? Yes, He does. Again, Jeremiah 29:7 tells us to “seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” This verse goes beyond just praying, but seeking the peace of the city. Actively doing things to better that city.
Also remember the history of Esther. Even though Esther didn’t seek out political power or activity, she was reminded that it was her duty to exercise the power she had. Esther 4:14 read, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” It is very evident that Esther was not to remain silent, but to use her voice.
I do want to add that this will look very different for each of us. Some of us are called, as Esther, to be in a position of power and voice. Some of us are called to be “quiet and vocal” and some may seem to have no voice-only that in prayer.
Christians should remember it is God who is in control of the elections.
I just want to remind you of God’s sovereignty-even in elections. Yes, God is in control. We are told in Romans 13:1 “…and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” He knew from ancient times who would run in the elections and who would win. It didn’t take Him by surprise. He is using it-good and bad-to accomplish His purpose. And as heart breaking as it is, His purpose may not be for America to become great again or for America to survive another 50 years. But HE WILL!
Regardless of what happens in our country, we can be certain that God has not lost any of His power. It is Him and Him alone that builds up and tears down-whether that be nation or individual man. “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. In Your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” I Chronicles 29:12
Christians should remember that our ultimate home is heaven not America.
As much as I love the USA. As proud as I am to be an American. As much patriotic spirit that is in me. All that should pale in comparison to the love I have for God’s kingdom. Recall Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Because this world is not our home, we will feel uncomfortable here. We often won’t fit in. But we aren’t supposed to. And sadly, the deeper the love we have for God’s kingdom, the less of a patriot we may feel. Yes, I love and support America. But I can’t deny the fact that I am ultimately only a pilgrim here.
Don't work so hard trying to make a kingdom stand that cannot stand that you forget about the kingdom that can not fall! Click To TweetChristians should respect the ones who win the elections.
Yeah, I know. This one is a hard one to swallow. Probably the hardest, right? But it’s because of all the afore mentioned that we as Christians are commanded and able to do. 1 Peter 2:17 commands us “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.”
Honor the king-or leader. This is more than just obedience. It calls for us to respect the leader. Yes, even if this election doesn’t turn out the way we want. We must respect the one who wins. And we should respect the current leaders. Convicted? Because I am. No, I don’t always respect our leaders. But God has commanded me to. I may not agree with them, but I can respect them. Why? Because I know God is sovereign. Because I know God allowed that person to win the election. Because I know that this great country is not my ultimate home. And because “by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men,”-1 Peter 2:15. So in doing these we will be a witness to those who are lost.
But I want you to notice one last part of that verse in 1 Peter 2:27- “Honor all people.” Yes, regardless of race, class, gender or any other distinction, we should honor or respect everyone. Everyone wants to be respected. And everyone as a human being made in the image of God deserves to be respected.
I hope these responses to elections will challenge you to look to these days ahead with new perspective. To look not with this life as the end, but only as the vapor it is. To focus on kingdom work. To respect all people. And to pray more fervently for our nation and our leaders.
Until next time,
Leave a Reply