I love our country. We are so blessed to live in the United States of America. We have the freedom to elect our own leaders. I’ve lived through many elections. Each major election, every two years or four years, has had its nuances, controversies and divisiveness. Today with social media, elections have become even more difficult to endure and to discern. So, how do we, as Christ-followers, navigate this major political election facing us?
Here are a few things I have learned and I hope will encourage you today…
1. Please vote! It’s a privilege to vote. People died for this right, and we are grateful for freedom. Vote and encourage others to vote. Two days ago, we took our middle daughter, Mabry, to vote for the first time. She was so excited! We told the election representatives it was her first time, and they all cheered. I became a little emotional thinking about how special this was for her and how many people died for her to have this right and privilege. There are many countries in the world where people cannot vote, especially women. Always vote. This is a blessing!
2. Pray for our leaders - I am so thankful for all those who are public servants, and I pray for them often. The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders (whether you agree with them or not). We are all called to pray for our leaders and those running for office.
3. Thank God for our country. We have “In God we Trust” as our official motto (it may be fleeting, but it is still there) and our Founding Fathers established our country on Biblical principles. We are “One nation under God.” We are blessed to have “checks and balances,” which help provide order regardless of who wins. We are called to “...give thanks in all circumstances,” so let’s be thankful for our nation and for all those who are civil servants.
4. How we handle ourselves in this election time is important. What we say and post matters. Our kids are watching as well as our neighbors, friends, church community and unbelieving world. Jesus called us to love. We stand on truth, but we do it in love. We are leaving a digital footprint and legacy.
5. In each election, you must consider both the platform and the person. Ask God for spiritual discernment and wisdom. The platform matters and the person matters. You need to examine both. There are real issues in this election - abortion, immigration, global affairs, gun control, the poor, fiscal responsibility, homelessness, gender identification - these issues impact all of us, our children and our future. Knowing the issues is important as well as understanding the person. A leader can benefit or derail our entire country, but so can a platform. You must prayerfully consider the platform along with the person.
6. We are blessed to be able to elect someone new every 4 years. In talking with a friend living in Beirut, Lebanon, he pointed to this being a gift and why America has been so great through the years. If the person is not good, or their platform, then they get voted out and a new person in. Whatever happens in this election it is not for all time. Thank God for that.
7. Finally, remember God is ultimately in control. As Christ-followers, this is the most important of all. We are citizens of Heaven and not simply of this world. Regardless of who wins the election, God is still on His Throne. He is Sovereign over all. We don’t have to live in fear, but we can live in faith. We know the end of the story, and our God wins. We are on the winning team. Therefore, let’s pray, vote, love and live in this confidence. Our God has already won for all eternity. Thank You, Jesus!
Friends, family and fellow countrymen do not despair, but be encouraged today. Our God is with us and He is for us. We don’t have to live in fear, but we can live in faith knowing that God is over this election. He has greater plans than we do. Let’s trust, love and live as people fully committed to Him. Go vote, pray and know God will take care of you, your family, our nation and this world. Be encouraged in the Lord today.