A country divided. People drawing lines in the sand, pitching their tents firmly in one camp or the other. The vast chasm between the two groups grows… even among members in the church of Jesus Christ.
Families are torn. Friendships are cracking.
Through it all, Satan laughs… hoping we won’t see that he’s behind it all. May each of us be aware of his schemes, remembering that he isn’t just a liar—but the father of lies.
The church exists to exalt Jesus Christ crucified. We leave the exaltation of humans to the people of the world. How can we, the BODY OF CHRIST, stay focused on Jesus and not be distracted by the things of this world?
Let me give you three ways. I’m confident you’ll come up with many others.
1. Remember Who Sits on the Throne.
Our world is broken by sin. People are worried and hurting over heartbreaking issues like injustice, sickness, and violence. Of course, these issues have existed ever since The Fall in the garden. Satan tries to convince us to put our trust in the things of this world instead of in the Crucified Messiah.
But through His Spirit, God empowers us to be people of discernment. We can wade through the messiness and chaos caused by Satan and determine what is true, noble, honorable, and just. When we view the world through heaven’s prism, our perspective changes.
Our faith is not in a political system. We don’t trust in human "perfection" regardless of whether he/she has a “D” or “R” after their name. Our confidence is not in world governments, political candidates, or political parties. NO! Our confidence is in Christ alone! He ALONE sits on the throne.
No matter who wins this election, Jesus still reigns as King.
That’s great news! In the big picture of eternity, it doesn’t matter which party we support. The only thing that matters is staying true to The King of Glory. When we stand on His Word and His selfless sacrifice, there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from Him.
Jesus didn’t die so we could be on the winning side of a political election. He died to rescue us from sin and death! The empty tomb is our victory song! We are honored to be His hands, His feet, and His words amid all the suffering in our world. Our mission is to tell others of His goodness and to help them know God better. We can’t do this without faith—not faith in ourselves or in political systems—but faith in Him.
We place Jesus above all else and anchor our faith in Him. People will always disappoint us. Candidates will always let us down. But Jesus never will. He is always faithful and His promises are sure. Jesus is Lord of all. He is on the throne.
2. Represent Jesus, Not a Politician
Too often, we allow the difficulties of life to obscure the reality of heaven. We focus on the temporary, not the eternal. We forget that we are in the world, but not of the world. We are citizens of the Holy Kingdom of God—a kingdom that is alive and moving, led by a King who is making everything new.
Instead of being seen as a political person, I want to be seen by others as an ambassador for Christ—a living, breathing picture of Jesus. Many days, I fall short of that goal. But I don’t quit. I strive to love others the way Jesus loved others; to be a person of compassion and conviction for the truth of the Gospel. I strive to reflect the image of my Creator—the Great Redeemer of my soul.
When people look at me, I want them to know and see Jesus. My goal is to make Jesus look good to the people of the world.
3. Please God, Not Political Parties
Political parties are flawed. No surprise since they are made up of fallen humans. Only One reigns in perfection. We were created to depend only on Him for everything we need. The apostle writes in 1 John 2:17 that “the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” We live to please God! And what pleases God?
“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV).
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV).
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Where is Our Hope?
Not in the things of this world! The world is passing away! All of it should be marked with a big red “FLAMMABLE” sticker. The things we see are temporary. 2020 has made that abundantly clear! But the unseen reality of God’s Kingdom will endure forever.
May we all just take a breath. Lose the tension, anxiety, and worry about the events of this life. Receive the incomprehensible peace that comes from knowing Christ. The King promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
The counters will count. Satan may cause them to count fraudulently. Maybe they'll resist his temptations. Maybe they will count will integrity and honesty. But our hope is not in the outcome of this election.
Our hope is in the resurrected Jesus who guarantees victory over every circumstance! He alone is King. He alone has the power. Humans may be given titles and a certain measure of power, but our hope is not in them.
No matter the outcome of this election, by God’s grace, we have already overcome.
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”
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