It’s been several days now since the night of the election, which was for most people (as I am seeing) a very frightful time. I say “for most people” because I went to bed at about my usual time, rather unconcerned with who was going to come off as “victor” by morning.
I would say that it’s shocking how much Americans allow themselves to be affected by the elections. Even months before anyone is able to cast an official vote, millions of people across the nation can think of nothing but the day to come, when, as they see it, the man or woman who will determine the course of their future will be voted into power. The anxiety of the silly affair bleeds into every orifice of our lives; it guides our conversation, the information we consume, the media we enjoy, our friendships and family lives. I would say that it’s shocking, if I weren’t already so used to the way that people are, and the things they place the most importance on.
If you aren’t a Christian, then this post will likely do nothing to get you thinking, but please do read on regardless of what you may believe right now.
I’m addressing this entry primarily to those who profess to follow Christ, because somehow many of your have got it into your head that “the Christian thing to do” is vote. You’ve come to believe that casting a ballot for who you think should be the next president of the United States is the best way you can make a difference for good, and indeed is your primary duty as not only an American, but as a Christian. The myriad details of how this idea has come to prosper would invariably slow my aching mind should I attempt to seek them all out. It is simply astounding how much of what the modern Christian considers his duty, is nothing more than a deceitful vestige of the desperate and broken world we are on our way out of. I think many of you ought to be reminded that Jesus said as little of politics as He could while He was on the earth. As did the apostle Paul. The Old Testament gives a much clearer view of God’s opinion on civil government — it being something that only occurred in His people because they looked at the rest of the world, and wanted to be as it was. The Israelites set a king over themselves because they weren’t content to have God as their king. Are we doing the same thing today?
I am not condemning voting for elected officials. What I am condemning is the attitude I have witnessed from so many believers in the last six months; that of placing their hope in the government rather than God, and allowing an election to cloud their thoughts and distract them from their true mission: that of preaching the Gospel, in word and deed, every day and to all people. Our salvation was never in a human institution, and it never will be. Some of you have been thinking that America’s only hope is Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton. When in reality, neither of these people acknowledge God. Were Trump the greatest economic leader in history, or Clinton the most influential and morally upright woman in the world, yet without a relationship with the one and only God, each would be nothing better than the king of Babylon. God can and does work all things to His purposes, and His reach does not end where civil jurisdiction begins. Shame on us when we depend upon earthly rulers to do what only the Lord of Heaven is capable of. And double shame when we think thus of rulers who do not even recognize the King of kings.
Scripture tells us that God is love, and that without Him, though we have faith to move mountains and crumble strongholds, we are nothing, and can do nothing. Has this election season demonstrated to those around you that you know God, true and real love, or is this lost world simply viewing you as another political pundit?
Regardless of who you were hoping would take office, democracy has spoken. Do not let bitterness and hate poison your veins, when you could spend what strength you have in love. And as we move forward from today, let us remember that the greatest difference ever made for humanity, was made from a cross, not a podium.
with love,
— Joel