What an electric environment! Media outlets are buzzing. The nerdy science of polling models capture headlines. People are talking about everything from swing states and voter turnout to the destiny of a nation. It seems people believe there’s a lot a stake on Election Day…and surely there is.
But Jesus-followers have at least two decisions to make that are much bigger than the one we will make in the ballot booth.
Jesus said this to Pilate:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36 (NASB)
Jesus gave his life to and for a Kingdom that was bigger than any earthly super power. He had the ability and opportunity to crush Pilate and take over a nation. But he didn’t do that. Not because he was too small, but because he was too big for an earthly throne.
So if Jesus-followers are to follow Jesus, we too must decide to get bigger and invest our lives in something more significant than an earthly kingdom. That means we must make at least two very big decisions:
Decision #1: Enter the Public Square.
Although Jesus did not fight for political power, he was not apathetic to the needs of people. He engaged Pilate. He challenged him. And he ultimately yielded to his authority that was given to him by God. And Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds us of our responsibility to enter into the public arena in order to influence the culture toward righteousness (Romans 13).
When people of sincere biblical faith reject apathy and enter the public square, we have the opportunity to elect our leaders, to shape the conversation, to inform consciences, and to offer real solutions that will help people who have real problems. The unborn and infirmed need our help. The next generation needs us to protect marriage. And people of faith need us to stand for religious freedom. So we stay engaged in politics well beyond Election Day in order to promote righteousness in our land.
Decision #2: Escape the Political Scandal.
Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world, so we live for an eternal Kingdom that is bigger this earthly one. Jesus-followers’ identity is in Jesus, not in a politician or a political party. We refuse to tie ourselves to a political movement. Instead we acknowledge Jesus as our King and the only Master we pursue. And we pursue Him with a passion.
Politics is too often rooted in self-interests rather than in service to others. So we rise above the political scandal and live with unwavering confidence in the real Winner, our victorious King. We live with a big faith in Jesus and a passionate commitment to advance His Kingdom. And we do not allow the outcome of an election to shake our confidence. Nor do we allow it validate our faith. Instead, we honor our earthly leaders, humbly submit to them in every way that doesn’t violate biblical truth, and we pray for God’s blessings on their lives…whoever they are. (1 Timothy 2)
The Finish
King Jesus is the reigning, victorious, eternal King of all kings. And our hope is in him and him alone. So as we move on from Election Day, we thank God for the freedom to vote and to participate in the public square, but we also reaffirm our calling to a Kingdom bigger than any earthly government. And as we find our identity, deepest satisfaction, and our hope in Jesus, we encourage others to do the same.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Click the “Comment” button to enter the conversation.
Wonderful article! A timely word.
Thanks. Blessings.