In a little over a month, our country is going to the polls to select a new President. This upcoming election is hyped as the most important election of our lifetime. The news is non-stop election coverage every night. Both parties paint the other candidate’s win as the downfall and destruction of the United States. Voters are split down the middle in who they want to win and tensions are running at a fever pitch. Arguments and debate abound. It seems that the stakes couldn’t be higher.
I admit I have been sucked into this vortex of political argumentation. I do have strong opinions about who the leader of our country should be and I realize the implications for America in whoever wins.
But I want to take this opportunity in this month’s article to repent and refocus. I have fallen prey to the rhetoric that sees this election as the most important decision in our nation’s history. Maybe it is, but I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that should make my perspective a little different. Let me explain.
First, eternal realities are what matter the most. Colossians 3 tells us to “set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (3:2). Whether we like to admit it or not, a national election is an earthly matter, it has nothing to do with the kingdom of God. Our focus should be on seeing individuals getting saved from eternal wrath and people ONLY get saved through the gospel, not through governmental policies.
Now, I can almost hear someone object and say, “but one candidate is openly for Christian principles and for the Christian church specifically.” That is true and maybe that is a big factor in how you cast your vote, and that is fine. But do you think that the kingdom of God will somehow be impeded if the government turns against Christianity? Jesus said the gates of Hades wouldn’t overcome His church (Matt 16:18), let alone a human ruler. Plus, it seems to be the case over and over again, that where the church is restricted the most by human government, the church is actually thriving. Consider places like China or Iran, which just proves Jesus’ words to be completely true. Imagine an extreme situation where Christianity becomes illegal in the U.S., do you think the Lord will not be able to save or build His church? Of course we don’t think that. Even more so, seeing people get saved in such conditions will actually exalt the saving power of God, making it clear that He is in absolute control.
Second, God exalts leaders and rulers. We will admit that God is sovereign, but do we believe that God is so sovereign that He would lift someone into power that disagrees with Him, only to build His kingdom even more? Consider Daniel 5:21, “…the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.” Did you catch that? God brought up Nebuchadnezzar, then humbled him; then He brought up Belshazzar, and removed him. The Lord is absolutely in control of all things and a presidential election is just another thing He sovereignly reigns over. Whoever wins has been allowed to win by God.
Third, the Lord Jesus Christ is king of kings. We know the power a human government can wield pales in comparison to the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one challenges Him, every knee will bow before Him, the nations are nothing but a drop in the bucket and a speck of dust on the scales to Him (Isa 40:15). The Lord says in Isaiah 45:1 that he anointed Cyrus the king and takes him by the hand to subdue nations. Cyrus was only successful because the Lord allowed it. So, let’s remember who has authority over those with authority. Jesus Christ will still be reigning on November 4th no matter who wins the election.
We know our calling as Christians in regards to leaders. We are to honor, respect, and follow, those who are placed in positions of leadership over us (1 Pet 2:17). That includes those we don’t agree with or like. How can we do that? Remembering that eternal things matter most, the Lord brings down and raises up leaders, and He reigns supreme over everyone in authority.