In case you haven't heard, there is an election coming next Tuesday! Actually, I’m sure you’ve heard; I think we are suffering from a certain amount of election fatigue and would just like it to be over with already. Here are a few thoughts as we enter the final week:
1. Participate: It is a privilege to live in a free, democratic society in which we are able to allow our voices to be heard through the election process. Many have given their lives to advance and protect our freedoms. As followers of Christ, we are called to engage with the society around us and be an influence for good. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.. you are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13a, 14a. By exercising our right to vote, we have the opportunity to influence our world. I would encourage you to prayerfully consider a candidate’s character and policies and the impact both would have on our culture in terms of reflecting the biblical values of justice and mercy. (Micah 6:8)
2. Perspective: Remember that ultimately God is in control of the outcome of the election. As important as elections are, human leaders are under the authority of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ! After his resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). There will be winners and losers among candidates, but God is over all of it and will continue to occupy His throne! “For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.” (Psalm 47:2). Let your heart take comfort and rest in that truth, whatever the outcome.
3. Peacemaker: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9). Our world desperately needs us to fulfill these words of Jesus! As Christ-followers, we can have a deep impact by being instruments of peace no matter who wins the election. Our society is filled with division, anger, and hatred. The election, no matter who wins or loses, will not cause that to go away. Let’s be those who seek to bring the peace of Christ and His mercy to all we encounter by demonstrating His love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Prayer: The apostle Paul wrote: “First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and dignified in every way.” (I Timothy 2:1-2). Those of us who have come to know Jesus by faith have direct access to God’s throne through Jesus’ shed blood. Let’s pray for our leaders and for our nation. Let’s ask for God’s intervention at this critical time in our nation’s history and that we can be the salt and light He calls us to be as we represent Christ to a watching world.
-Pastor Scott