Like so many in our beloved community, and across our great nation, I am very concerned regarding the outcome of the upcoming elections. Trying to resist exhaustion from the myriads of campaign messages, and with a bona fide attempt to slice through Madison Avenue-style spin and rhetoric, I want to understand the issues, develop informed opinions, and make wise choices in the voting booth on Nov. 8. I believe it is a duty for every qualified American to vote their conscience and values, not taking this privilege of democracy lightly, and thereby, honoring the sacrifices of so many that purchased this right for us. Our freedom is a gift of God, and so is every life that was lost in the fight to obtain and maintain the liberty we enjoy. With that in mind, please allow me to write to you about life beyond the ballot box.
Right now, there is division that seems to run very deep in this nation. And the candidates have taken off the padded gloves of niceties and are metaphorically throwing blows bare-fisted. Many passionate patriots have followed suit and the potential for “in your face”-style confrontation among citizens is very high. But Jesus warned: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).
Even a cursory examination of the history of our nation reveals that some of our darkest hours now regretted are tied to seasons of severe discord, disrespect of differences, or marginalization of another’s civil liberties, including the freedom to express disagreement with strongly-held beliefs. Further, among the shining beacons of our past, are the times when our people have esteemed every life, embraced individuality, allowed for discussion in the midst of disagreement, and fought together for what is right and just.
It is not my intention to minimize the stakes, for no one is debating the significance of the times we are living in, nor to herein express my personal viewpoints on today’s politics, but to call all of us to address the concerns in light of God’s word. The Bible provides for us a lens to see problems that we are facing within a much larger framework: from an eternal perspective. And the wisdoms offered to us from heaven are designed to rescue us from demise due to our own foolhardiness. As though sounding the siren of alert to anyone who will listen, Jesus’ elucidation of this truth exhorts societies, communities and households about a key to strength in solidarity. Yet, the spiritual core of his words cannot be overlooked. Jesus pronounced blessings to the peacemakers and called them “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). No wonder Jesus’ purpose was centered on the mission to unite lost people with their loving heavenly father.
No matter the outcome of the coming elections, many people will be dissatisfied, others angry. And if history is any guide to the future, even among those whose favorite candidates win and preferred legislation passed, some of them will later be disappointed in the ultimate result. And I submit that the aftermath, however things turn out, will not move God from his throne, nor Jesus Christ as king over all earthly kingdoms, nor change our ultimate accountability to him for our choices, and our responsibility to his free offer of salvation from the consequence of our sin, given by grace, and received through faith. No elected leader, nor legislation, will save mankind, no matter how well-intentioned. Only Jesus, God incarnate, has the role of savior of the world, and I exhort every reader, put your trust in him alone!
“I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken” (Psalms 62:1-2).