Politics, Then Faith

Today is the day. The crescendo to the march we have all be on for many months and years; the election now is finally upon us. Everyone says that this is the election of our lifetime. That the direction that is chosen will either take us down paths of riches, freedom, and blessings, or ultimate destruction. Both sides see the other as the problem, quick to cast stones at whoever does not believe, think, and vote as they do, and in that simple step, politics, not faith, takes the wheel.

I love politics – or did – for much of my life. I could not get enough. I watched news relentlessly, and charted all the races to make predictions as to who would be triumphant. I lived, ate, and breathed politics. I, like many, would look at the candidate I liked and believe he/she was ordained by God, and look at the other candidates much less favorably – and sometimes demonize the other side, which seems to be the case in many if not most of the current political discussions.                                                                          

In many conversations or social media posts, politics would quickly take over and rule the discussion, almost to the exclusion of everything else. Statements like, “a true Christian could never support them”, and much worse were thrown about as if to say, “This standard, above all else, is what it takes to makes someone a Christian.” As assumptions, name calling, and belittling occurred, once again, politics would trump faith. 

As I have watched these discussions, it really has saddened me to see the discourse among, not the world, but many Christians, and how they have treated one another over something like politics. It was treated as if this, more than our testimony as believers and the church was of paramount importance, and that it was the government and policy that would be our country’s salvation. Believers demeaned each other, disrespected one another, and showed disunity at the alter of politics. And again, politics and our thoughts on it, overshadowed the message we as believers should be trumpeting above all – the gospel of Christ. 

As I stood back, these last few weeks, it was heartbreaking. I think, as believers, the question we need to ask ourselves is, “Do we really trust God?” If Trump was so chosen by God, then so was President Obama, President Bush, President Clinton, President Bush, President Reagan, President Carter, and on and on this list could go. This will also be true of the next President regardless of who it is. If you truly believe God is in control and He has already ordained it then we should honor and pray for whoever that person is. Sadly, in many circles, arguing politics and defending imperfect candidates has become more important, and even more vocal, than our testimony and His Word and speaking up for the truth that is more universal and foundational than anything political.

So, in many ways, this election is extremely pivotal, not just for our country, but for the church as well. How we choose to view it, act upon it, and speak of it and its results, say more about where we are as a church and believers, and will define our testimony to the world in ways we can not imagine. May the unity and faith we are call to by Christ, overshadow every other opinion we have, and may we view Him, and not our government and leaders, as the salvation that we need to trumpet above all others. 

May God bless our nation, and guide and direct the leaders He is putting into place today, and may we as the church and believers lift up daily these men and women, and trust that He is guiding, and place our hope in Him, not in others.