Before you croak on this one – hear me out. I advocate voting. I’m a registered voter. I know who I’m voting for in this election. I advocate Christian citizenship – involvement in government and its processes. I’m even working at a polling location this year. Citizens have a role to play in representative government and should be involved – know the issues and candidates. Vote your values, philosophy, and convictions. You have to determine how the candidates line up.
But, I think there’s an essential perspective check in all of the politics. Who do you trust to restore and create real change? Are you looking at Washington, yourself, or God? The morning after (the election), a portion of the nation will rejoice while another portion will mourn. I have to tell you – I think God is bigger than election days, politics and way more important than any president. God is bigger than the president of a nation. Kings and leaders come and go, but God is everlasting – forever. I trust Him and not man.
God doesn’t need a certain man in the house to influence a nation. As you read through biblical history, there are countless times when God worked through leaders who did not honor Him or call upon Him – but He worked for the good of His people.
I’m less than enthusiastic about the candidates this time around and when it comes to faith and values, neither of these men really live in my neighborhood. One holds a non-Christian faith system while the other promotes a religious hodgepodge (collection of popular thought from various religious beliefs). It’s interesting to note that perhaps one of the most devoted Christian presidents in the last fifty years was arguably one of our least effective leaders. I remember too well the odd/even days at the gas station and the hostages. So, how do you process all that?
Can you imagine if Christ followers were as passionate about the Gospel as they were about politics, how our land could be radically different? Political persuasion doesn’t change a man’s heart, only Christ does that – it’s the power of the Gospel story shared and lived. Maybe the answer to “real change” isn’t the propagation of some political framework, but gospel living by Christ followers.
It’s interesting to also note that God didn’t promise to deliver a nation when they elected a specific candidate. God promised to deliver a nation that turned in complete surrender to Him. I’m not talking about embracing a political idea, but embracing God. I’m not talking about endorsing political agenda, but making much about Jesus. You want change? It’s about Jesus and not a candidate! Too often we become numb to often quoted passages like:
I’m not dishing the importance of the election or the candidates – just think these need to be in proper perspective.
Brad. My short answer is no it really doesn’t matter who lives at 1600 Penn. Ave. I’m drawn back to Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
I think that Christians today have become so wrapped up in politics that they have missed the mark.
I don’t recall anywhere in the Bible where Jesus acted as a political activist. His was of a spritiual nature only, and that is what us a believers are to follow.
God is soverign over all things included who is brought to power in our government and all governments around the world.
What is far more important is what Christians do within the sphere of our influence….
1. Putting God first in our lives
2. Supporting our Church leaders and missionaries.
3. Sharing the Good News to the lost
4. Living a Holy life, authentic and pure.
5. Trusting God.
If you want to make a difference in the world, that is where we should be fousing our time and attention. It will be far more effective living a life that demonstrates Godly morals and values than voting for someone that may or may share the same.
Its kind of a double standard. The problem is that we don’t do our part, so the government tries, and we complain when the government fails. Really?
The simple fact is that no matter who is elected this November or in any future election, that person is hand selcted by God to the fulfillment of His will and purpose. Trust in and let God do His part, and Christians….lets do ours.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts!!
Justin, thanks for the comments. I think we are too quick to forget the whole sovereignty of God thing also the spiritual importance of our role where we are. Well said.
Pastor Brad, I am not in agreement with everything that you stated and the comment that was posted. I do believe that the Lord is in control of everything, but I believe he still expects us to be involved and to try and elect the candiate who best exhibits the morals, values and beliefs in what makes America a free nation under God. Yes, Carter did not and still doesn’t act as a christian leader in his views and positions. If people and countries had stood up to Hitler, maybe millions of Jews would not have been murdered. Moses followed what God instructed him to do and stood up for his people against the Egyptian king and freed God’s chosen people. Look at Lincoln, Jefferson, P. Henry and so on who helped make America what it is and my sister and I as christians took a stand and marched in Washington on September 2010 with hundreds of thousands of Americans who came from far
and wide to protest peacefully to get our country back on track. And we took the house back that following November!
Our votes is how we can make a difference in the course of our nations future. We are at a crossroads in America and do not want to become a European nation. I think we should witness and always do Gods work in our churches and communities but I believe that includes trying to get the best candiate into office. I know Romney is a Morman, but God can work through christians who will work under him to keep our country as a christan nation.
Brenda, I’m glad you don’t agree with everything I said! 🙂 That’s good. I guess my point is that regardless of who resides in the White House, God is still very much in charge and sovereign. I do believe it’s important for citizens to be informed and involved – educated and voting. Thanks for the comments.