It's NOVEMBER 9th, NOW WHAT?

This may be the most contention election we have ever seen, in American history. Though I’m sure the veterans of the Civil War could argue against this notion, but I’ll let them make their own case. One thing is certain, in my LIFETIME I’ve not seen the SELECTIONS seem as unappealing as this election has produced. I’m writing this article a few days before we know the winners, with a simple message for believers (I am also certain anyone can glean truth from it). No matter the outcome of the November 8th contests (the President is not the only office on the ballot), we as Christians are obligated to follow what scripture commands.

I want to lay out some simple guidelines for us to follow. I purposely am doing this BEFORE the results are final, so that I may remind myself of my obligations as much as anything. It is easy to follow these mandates when times are ‘good’, but we must never forget what Jesus said, Matthew 5:44 (KJV) “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Our witness in this world is displayed not just in how we speak, but how we act, too. So, in a simple straight forward way, what are we to DO November 9th (or as soon as we know the winners)!

PRAY

Paul, writing in a time of some bad politics (especially for Christians) said, 1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” This seems non-controversial at first glance, but as Paul continues, the next verse gives great clarity, 1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT) “Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” The fact is prayers are to be lifted for the President (and all office holders) regardless of their political affiliation or if we agree with their policies.

Praying for a leader is not an endorsement of policies or asking a blessing for ungodly laws. On the contrary, Paul seems to be saying, “Maybe we can live peaceful lives if God would change Caesar’s heart towards us.” I can just see Christians everywhere lifting up our leaders and seeing God’s sovereign hand controlling the outcome of every decision. Arguments of politicians seem to rarely change anyone’s mind (theirs is rarely changed as well, it seems). Can God change things? Surely we believe He can. Again, we are OBLIGATED to pray, this is without debate, and clearly spelled out in this passage.

BE GOOD CITIZENS

1 Peter 2:13-17 lays out clear commands to “submit to… authority” and “Honor” (or respect, depending on the translation) “everyone.” These commands are actually directed toward the authority in our lives, civil and otherwise. Honor is given, while respect is earned, someone once said. Yet, the offices themselves are deserving of honor and/or respect. It could be argued that when Peter wrote this Rome had begun to be more antagonistic toward Christianity than Paul’s writings in 1st Timothy. Good citizens respect the laws, pay their taxes (grudgingly seems allowed), and pray for the leaders.

Actually Peter states that the reason we do so is, in verse 13, “for the Lord's sake” (KJV). Being good Christian’s (followers of Jesus) ‘begats’ good citizens, it would seem. Jesus gave an example, as He described the obligation to pay our taxes, Luke 20:25 (KJV) “And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.” This was Jesus’ response to those who questioned if an obligation existed to render due deference (paying taxes) to the authority that was in Rome, Luke 20:22 (KJV) “Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?” Clearly, Jesus command to “render” goes beyond taxes, it would seem.

BE THANKFUL

Paul gives a clear statement in Romans 13:1-7 that we are OBLIGATED to respect and obey authority over us. This included civil authority as he indicates, “Romans 13:4 (HCSB) “For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.” Are we to be thankful for God’s plans? Are we to be thankful that God is in control? Is thankfulness encouraged? What does the Bible exhort us to do, Colossians 3:15 (KJV) “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Are we to be thankful when evil leaders (not a prediction here!) are put in power? Again, think of the time Paul wrote this passage. Roman authority was far from a conservative, evangelical, and/or a Christian one. Yet, Paul still demanded of us, “submit to the governing authorities,” (vs. 13 HCSB). Also, “rulers are not a terror to good conduct,” (vs. 3 HCSB). Notice also, “government is God’s servant for your good,” (vs. 4 HCSB). The spin here seems clear, all authority is God’s plans at work, bringing about His final will. We are surely to be thankful for ALL that God is doing.

WORK TO CHANGE THINGS

As Christians, this is done in two ways. First, we change things thru the Gospel. As Christians we are to be ‘salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13-14). This is changing the culture with the truths of God’s Word, the Gospel, and the message of the Christian Faith. Notice the admonition of Paul, Philippians 2:13-15 (NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” As citizens it becomes our duty to change the culture thru living out our lives before the world as servants of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we change things thru the system in place: voting. Most western civilizations practice some form of democracy, and our country (USA) is no exception. We have been given the privilege to have our voice heard (and there is an argument exactly how much that is, I will grant). Christians need to vote according to certain principles, and those principles should be based on scriptural mandates. I think an argument could be made that to not vote violates Jesus command to “render to Caesar” in Luke 20 (as well some of the other passages I’ve mentioned). Even if you think this argument is weak, you cannot deny that as a Christian we can influence the elections with our voice (vote).

CONCLUSION

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong." So, stand on your feet citizen! Begin to pray, do your duty as a citizen, be thankful, and plan to change what we can. This election has been stressful in ways I never anticipated. As I type these last few words, I am hours from casting my vote. I have very little confidence in the choices presented to me. Yet, I cannot deny that God is still moving in the affairs of men. Our choices, poor as they seem, are the choices God has placed before us. As moral agents, responsible for what we do, we are to take these choices seriously and prayerfully. I am not at all convinced that this election will produce a leader (especially Presidential) that will bring about ‘good’. Still…isn’t God’s hand at work, isn’t He in control, and surely we can trust our Lord to bring about His plans, for His people, Romans 8:28 (ASV) “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.” AMEN!!

#election #pray