Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads. – Deuteronomy 1:13 ESV
As I write this newsletter article, it’s one week before Election Day 2024. Things have been tense nationwide, but it’s especially tense here in the swing state of Pennsylvania. We’ve been receiving political mail, phone calls, and even text messages. That’s not to say anything about television commercials and social media! Most of us will be happy to get the contest behind us. Still, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility as good citizens. There are three things to keep in mind when it comes to the voting process.
First, pray for the election. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says, First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,… Jeannie and I have been praying for months now that God would guide the decisions we make as a nation. A common prayer we offer is, “Lord give us the leaders we need and not the leaders we deserve.” There is no disputing that we have sinned greatly as a country. It’s important that we humble ourselves and ask for God’s mercy in the leaders provided to us. Daniel 2:21 says, He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; God uses the prayers of his people to make a difference in the world around us.
Second, vote in the election. I just read an article this morning about a woman who was so discouraged with the choices available to her this year that she’d decided not to vote at all. Voting for leaders, however, is a privilege that most people throughout history haven’t possessed. Don’t take the ability to vote lightly. Study the candidates, and the platforms of the parties they represent, then cast your vote for the one who conforms the most to Biblical principles, or for the one who defies them the least. 1 Peter 2:13-16 says, Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Third, be at peace despite the election. If the candidate you chose loses, not all is lost. God is still on throne. He is still sovereign. He knows more about this situation than you. Because God has been, is, and always will be in control, you as his child can be at peace. That peace is supernatural in nature and is a powerful witness to a lost society in turmoil. Jesus says in John 14:27, 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. Our true citizenship as children of God is not in this world, but in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
So, this election season, vote with prayer and Biblical discernment, then rest in the reality that God rules and reigns over all. His kingdom is unshakeable and eternal.
With a shepherd’s heart,
Pastor David
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