“Jesus didn’t come to take sides; he came to take over” (Dr. Tony Evans).
I write this on Election Day, not having a clue who will win or even when we will know. Most political experts say we won’t know for weeks, maybe months. This is not the first time in our nation’s history that we have been so divided. The United States has survived our founding with its philosophical differences between strong central government (Washington) and states’ rights (Jefferson). The United States has survived the Civil War, the bloodiest conflict America has ever faced. The United States has survived the Great Depression and other traumatic experiences. There have been eight highly contested elections in U.S. history, and we have survived them all. We will survive this election. We will survive this president, whoever it is. And in four years, we will do this again.
My pastor* had a great perspective on this subject in his sermon this past Sunday. As believers, we hold dual citizenship. Yes, we are citizens of the United States of America, but we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. And as citizens of heaven, we have responsibilities that transcend our responsibilities as U.S. citizens.
We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, highest ranking, chosen and appointed, diplomats from heaven to the world:
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20)
Jesus said in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what that fruit is: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
We are called to be a royal priesthood, representing Christ to the world, and as such we must keep our conduct honorable at all times: “…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ….Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:5,12).
It is true that whether our candidate wins or loses, we are called to submit to our elected leaders. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves….Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” (Romans 13:1-2,5).
And as Christian subjects, we are commanded to pray for our leaders. “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, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s not worry about who is president. Win or lose, let’s not be critical of those who supported a different candidate. GOD IS IN CONTROL. Let’s continue to do our civic duty, and let’s remember what our Christian responsibilities are:
- Pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
- Submit to our leaders. Romans 13:1-2,5
- Keep our conduct honorable since we represent Christ to the world. 1 Peter 2:5,12
- Go and bear fruit. John 15:16, Galatians 5:22-23
- Be reconciled to God; be reconciled to each other. 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
In Christ,
Judy
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