We are so blessed to live in a country where we still have a voice in the election process. Whatever happens in this political election, we, God’s children, must remember to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Philippians 1:27)
It is always wise to remember Who is really in control of our world when we witness the turmoil of an election year. Let us keep in mind that November 3rd will come and go and that the throne of God will not be shaken despite the election results. God rules in the kingdoms of men, and the Bible declares that He does.
- Jesus, our Lord, has the ultimate authority.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matt. 28:18)
- He is Head over all things.
"That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." (Eph. 1:20-21)
"Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him." (1 Peter 3:22)
- He is King of kings and Lord of lords of all the earth and heaven.
"And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth." (Rev. 1:5)
- God rules over all.
And no matter who is elected president, king, or dictator, God rules over all!!! When the election is over, let us trust in the sovereignty of God.
- All things will work together for good to those who love God.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
- If God is for us, who can be against us?
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:31-34)
- Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."' (Romans 8:35-39)
No matter who rules and what rulers may do, we are in God's protecting hands for good or ill!
- Let us remember our godliness and our principles of kindness and courtesy.
Sadly, the children of God are tempted to forget their godliness when they enter these discussions, and sound judgment flies out the window. Regardless of the election outcome or who wins, brother winds up angry against brother and sister against sister, and all about what? It is like some of our useless and foolish discussions about college football.
- Whose soul is lost or won?
- Whose faith is strengthened or weakened?
Jesus Christ has taught us the principles of kindness and courtesy, but that knowledge is also suspended when we look like carnal-minded men and women. We must remember that our faith must touch every compartment of our life and that politics be unimportant. Politics must never be our primary focus, but rather God, His kingdom, and principles of righteousness. God is ultimately in control.
"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men. At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'" (Daniel 2:21; 4:17; 34-35)
- The most significant and critical election for Christians:
November 3rd is election day, and political debate dominates much of Facebook and other social media. Our President will either be re-elected, or another might be elected instead. Candidates will be elected to public offices all across our nation as well. I keep hearing from every corner that this election is the most critical for our nation’s future in many years. I have heard that same argument regarding other elections over the past decades. However, we must not forget that there is a far more significant and critical election than this one. The apostle Peter reminds us about this critical election by saying,
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10)
This “election” that Peter is talking about is our personal salvation. Jesus also said,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
- We are called through the Gospel.
"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thess. 2:13-14)
Obedient faith is our response to the Gospel call.
Our faithful obedience makes our calling and election sure or confirmed.
"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mk. 16:15-16)
Like many others, we are told that this year's election is critical since it will shape our nation for years to come. But the “election” Peter urges us to make sure is of much greater importance than this, for it will prepare us to stand before the Supreme Judge of all mankind.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
CONCLUSION:
Political elections come and go, generating excitement for a while, but then it dies out. I don’t deny they bring some change and/or bolster the status quo, but they are often followed by new elections filled with new promises, which most likely will never be kept. Unfortunately, that is the way politics is! However, the “election” of which the apostle Peter speaks is eternal life, a promise given by our God, who never lies or fails to keep His promises!
"Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began." (Titus 1:1-2)
Remember that nothing is as critical as getting to heaven! So we must be diligent in making sure our election, our salvation, for that definitely is the most critical election in our lives. No matter who wins the elections, God still rules over all! Though we might not know what is in store, God holds the future in His hands. He will give us both comfort and courage to bear everything. When we trust in God, there is no need to fear. The Word of God answers all our fears, problems, obstacles, and worries. Remember how God has blessed His people richly through His mighty deliverance and help throughout history.
Let us remember that our citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. We are pilgrims, living among the nations of men (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:19; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11-12; Heb. 11:13-16).
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12)
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:13-16)
This world is not our home. We are just passing through. We must not become too attached to the things of this world, for they render us fruitless.
"And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." (Luke 8:14)
Yes, we must guard our hearts against the love of this world, including politics!
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Eph. 2:19)
Our focus must be to seek first the rule of God in our lives (Matt. 6:33) and proclaim His mercies (1 Peter 2:9-10). The kingdom of God and His righteousness must be our primary focus. So why not refocus our efforts on the saving Gospel of Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20)? Are you letting politics render you fruitless in the work of the Lord? Are you fulfilling the Great Commission? Or are you being distracted by earthly things?
Although we might be discouraged because of our elected leaders, let us always remember the One who is truly in charge. When the election is over, whether your preferred candidate won or someone else, let us renew our trust in the Sovereign God. Let us reaffirm our heavenly citizenship and, most importantly, refocus on our primary goal. Let us resolve to give leaders their due. Let us keep praying for godly rulers. Let us keep living righteously and not defile ourselves, and finally, let us all resume our role as peacemakers. Our God and His kingdom are unshakable, and we are on our way Home.
"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever." (Daniel 2:44)
Remember that righteousness exalts a nation, and sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).
May we keep ourselves without blame amid a perverse generation. May we trust God with our heart, mind, and soul, not fear. May we stand firm and not be shaken. And finally, may we continue to trust our Lord and keep doing good, shining our light brightly and conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ no matter what happens.
Luci
