Our nation has seldom been so polarized. Both sides proclaim “the end of democracy” is at hand unless their side wins. Sure, we have an obligation to participate in the electoral process we have inherited as Americans. But we must never forget that the future of our nation doesn’t ultimately rest on who controls Congress or occupies the White House. It rests in the sovereignty of God who “changes times and seasons” and “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21)—sometimes to bring blessing; sometimes to bring judgment. What role, then, are we as believers to play?
As we approach next month’s mid-term election, let’s all take a deep breath and remember the lessons of Scripture and history—ultimately, our country’s future doesn’t depend on the politicians we elect nearly so much as it depends on the faithfulness of God’s people and the condition of Christ’s Church.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that our faithfulness as Christians packs a bigger punch than anything going on in Washington D.C.? Do you believe that we, as American believers, have God’s power to transform our nation (and the world) in ways politicians never can?
Think about it. Looking back 2000 years, whose influence remains greater—that of Jesus or that of all the Caesars of Rome combined? Was it Caesar who “turned the world upside down” or was it the first disciples and the apostle Paul? Has history been shaped more by scores of now dead German kings and lords or by a single German monk who discovered God’s grace—a monk named Luther? And, more recently, was the Berlin wall and communism able to withstand the prayers of God’s people?
History demonstrates that faithful ambassadors of Christ possess God’s power to change nations in ways kings, presidents and politicians can’t! But before that can happen, we must honestly answer some hard questions.
Question #1: Will we trust God? Who do we trust? Aren’t we tempted to believe that our lives—and the life of our country—will prosper only as long as we keep someone in the White House who thinks like us? Don’t we act like righteousness can reign only if we swing the Supreme Court our way? We need to remember what Jeremiah 17:5-7 declares, Cursed is the man who trusts in man…Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord?
Believers in Jesus Christ, we have the potential to change this nation—but only if we stop trusting in politicians and start trusting in God! God is sovereign. God’s will is going to be done next month—just like God’s will is being done today! Life is not random! And neither are elections.
Question #2: Will we speak for God? We live in a nation where many people have stopped believing in absolute truth. Are we willing to tell them that God’s truth still stands? Are we willing to speak for God by telling our friends, relatives, and co-workers that he’s real and he’s coming soon to judge the living and the dead. Will we speak for God by proclaiming the realities of heaven and hell? Will we speak for God and proclaim the good news that Jesus died and rose again for our salvation? Will we speak for God by telling those around us that, apart from repentance and faith in Jesus, they stand eternally condemned? Will we speak God’s truth concerning moral issues like abortion, gay “marriage,” self-centeredness, racism, materialism, and greed? Will we speak for God?
Question #3: Will we pray to God? Will we remember that the future of our nation rises or falls on the prayers of God’s people? Listen to what God says to King Solomon concerning the nation of Israel in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. While it’s important to remember this promise belongs specifically to Israel, the general that a nation’s health often depends on the prayers of God’s people stands true. That’s why, in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul writes, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live quiet and peaceful lives…
Question #4: Will we be God’s salt? Will we be God’s light? Like salt preserves food and flavors a meal, God calls His people to preserve and flavor our nation. Like light dispels darkness, God call us to shine in the darkness. Here’s what that means—we must be different! Salt always remains distinct from the food it seasons. By definition, light can never be dark.
Here then is the question. Why would we expect our nation to repent when those who profess Jesus won’t?
However you feel about the outcome of next month’s election, you need not despair! America’s future doesn’t ultimately depend on who controls the Senate or lives in the White House. America’s future lies with God—and with us—his sons and daughters!
As followers of Jesus, let us trust in God, speak for God, pray to God, and live for God by being salt and light. Here lies our hope.
Dean