Why I'm Not Panicking About the Election (And Neither Should You)
At Focus on the Family, we're hearing from many of our friends who are dismayed by the tenor of this season's political discourse. And who could blame them?
America is in desperate need of sound leadership, and yet too many of our would-be leaders seem to be engaged in something akin to a cage match. At a time when it's vital to be informed about the candidates' positions, the last thing we need is immature, vulgar, crass and fanciful finger-pointing.
A quick glance at social media confirms the very same thing we're hearing at Focus: evangelicals are panicked. They're disturbed by the circus-like atmosphere of the debates, concerned about the future of our nation, and worried those elected won't faithfully represent them once in office.
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Don't get me wrong. These are valid concerns. And discouragement is an understandable reaction when we see religious liberties stripped away and biblical convictions falling further out of favor among the cultural elite. We must continue to counter these trends with the authority given to us as American citizens who have the right and responsibility to make our voices heard.
But giving into discouragement isn't the answer.
And battling it is easier said than done.
So, in the midst of a contentious and pivotal election season, how can we, as God's people, take a deep breath and keep a Christ-centered perspective?
Remember that the stakes have always been high.
Let's consider the role that hindsight can play in keeping us calm and level-headed. It's easy to forget that elections have always been influenced by the frailty of human nature. Our memories are short. We tend to think this campaign season takes the prize for the most uncivil, and we say that the stakes have never been higher.
In fact, we say this every four years!
The truth is, the stakes are high in 2016. But were they any less so when our infant nation was recovering from the Revolution and struggling to get on its feet? Or when the Civil War loomed? Or when the Depression had crippled our economy and plunged so many families into poverty?
Every presidential election carries with it a unique sense of urgency. That's because we live in a world plagued by sin, and the United States is not immune to its effects.
So rather than getting bogged down by the what-ifs and giving in to fear, it's important to be reminded that as Christians, we're called to work toward the welfare of the cities in which we live (Jeremiah 29:7), let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15), and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
It's also helpful to remember the purpose of government.
As we prepare to vote, let's be grateful that God has identified the purpose of earthly forms of government — namely, to restrain evil and promote good (Romans 13:4-5; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Christians living in democratic societies can have a unique hand in helping choose leaders who will faithfully rein in evil by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who do what's right. That's an incredible blessing.
What's more, we can experience great peace in the knowledge that "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1). Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, the Lord remains on His throne. He has not relinquished His divine right to reign over the affairs of men. He has not lost control.
Let's also remember that though we're proud citizens of the greatest country on earth, our eternal citizenship is in heaven.
That's not to say we don't engage here on earth. But we also don't expect the kind of struggle-free existence that has only been promised to us once we reach the other side of eternity. Instead, we recall Jesus' words: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). If we could truly grasp the courage Jesus was trying to instill in His people with that brief statement, I believe it would shift our entire outlook as we survey the political landscape.
So let's not fulfill our civic duty in a spirit of fear. Rather, let's remain committed to exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) in every aspect of our lives — whether we're observing a political debate, heading to the polls, or simply interacting with a neighbor. As this primary season rages red hot, my prayer is that the church would show itself to be a city on a hill, a people not easily shaken.
It's because of this rock solid faith of ours in a risen Christ that we can rest triumphant in the assurance that God is, indeed, "our help in ages past" and "our hope for years to come."
Nothing can happen at the polls, on the campaign trail or in the Oval Office that will either shock or take Him by surprise.
And that's why I'm not panicking about the election. And neither should you.
