“Don’t place eternal hope in temporary kingdoms.” ~Daniel Grothe, pastor New Life Church.
I understand there is an election coming up. Yes, I voted, and I’m sure I’ll win some and lose some. And, yes, the world has changed in the past six months. If you haven’t noticed we have a few challenges, you must have been visiting Pluto or under that proverbial rock.
Do I have strong opinions and convictions about for whom or how to vote? You betcha. Do I believe there is a cultural war underway? Absolutely. Are there ramifications for America depending on the outcome of this election? Of course.
But here’s the key thing: Politicians may change, the world may adjust their policies, and even some churches or Christians may conform their outlook or outreach as a result. But when you get past the irrational emotion, the bombastic rhetoric and peel back the onion a bit, little has changed. It’s just louder, more unbridled and less considerate and civil. Opinion is shared as fact, and the voice of reason has been buried in the melee of an unrestrained society.
“You don’t get to have an opinion that disagrees with God. You better get his opinion and change your opinion.” ~Tony Evans, pastor Oak Cliff Bible Church.
Some things, though, won’t change. What diehard democrats and republicans seem to forget: God is in control regardless of their policies, lies, misleading agendas and intentions. Whether you like it or not, you’ll get your president or Congress or mayor or governor, just as Israel demanded its king in 1 Samuel 8.
Change your focus, and you’ll change your world. Here are a few perspective tweaks that will help you on November 4, whether or not your candidate or viewpoint wins.
- God is still God. It doesn’t matter who tries to define him differently than what is in the Bible.
- Abortion is still wrong. Murder is still wrong. God wants us to have abundant life, from the womb to the tomb. Tony Evans has a great perspective in this video.
- Racism is wrong, no matter in what corner it rears its head.
- FACT: Israel is still God’s timeclock. Don’t get distracted and lose sight of that.
- Politicians and the media have gone off the deep end. There may be no return from this abyss, so don’t be sucked down into it.
- I can still make decisions for my life and my family. No one can take that away. The decisions may be different or more challenging, but you still have a choice.
- My hope is not in government, institutions or laws. At least not government, institutions or laws of this world.
- I won’t be slinging mud on Facebook or social media. There is a better way. Still looking for that evasive well-reasoned, civil conversation.
- My views on morality, life and ethics won’t change in the light of opinion or relativity or political change. There are still absolutes and anchors, so don’t be pulled hither and yon.
- My convictions are my convictions, they will not change. I won’t disparage you for yours, so don’t demean me for mine.
- My preferences are just that, preferences. I am persuadable.
What will change for you if Joe Biden is elected? What will change for you if Donald Trump is re-elected? What if that proposition you feel so strongly about doesn’t pass? Or passes?
Like it or not, Biden or Trump will be your next president. People who have said Trump is not their president (or Obama was not theirs) for the past four years don’t remember scripture too well.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. ~Romans 13:1-2.
So God will place someone in the office like Trump, who talks endlessly and mocks people? And God would consider a man like Biden, who has a disdain for the child in the womb and perhaps the church? Hmm. Again, remember 1 Samuel 8. God can become so frustrated that he simply gives us what we want and leaves it to us to deal with the consequences.
Societal opinions and rules may swing wildly one way or the other, but the real question is what you will do with it? To be sure, half the country will not be happy on November 4 (or whenever the election is decided). How will you react and how will you deal with the “other half”. Listen carefully, find out the heart of God, and you’ll be okay.
Ultimately, you have this responsibility…
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.