“I’m fed up with politics.” I wearily commented to Norma Jean the other night after being fed more political baloney.
Then what did I do about it?
I tuned in last night to watch the Republican debate. Yes, another one! At one point during an exchange of charges and counter charges over their record and positions on the issues, Norma Jean turned to me and asked, “How do you know who is right!?
Good question. Unless you spend a lot of time fact checking every statement, it’s difficult. Finally, we both grew tired and bailed out before the debate was over.
So, this morning, I’m thinking this is only January and there are 10 more months of this before the Presidential election. I need some balance. Direction. Some reminders of what’s right and important. And thought maybe you do as well.
Here’s 7 things Christians need to remember as things heat up leading to the election.
(1) There are Christians of all political persuasions. Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Green party. Constitutional Party. And no party. Some vote. Some don’t. But politics should not divide Christians in an election year. Or any year.
We go to church together. Worship together. Serve the same God. We’re all bought by the blood of Jesus. We’re walking the same spiritual road and share the same hope. Let’s not allow political differences to destroy the unity for which Christ died (Gal. 3;26-28; Eph. 4:1-3)
(2) Don’t confuse patriotism with spirituality.
Loving our country does not make us more spirituality minded. Nor does our brand of patriotism make us more spiritual than others that we deem less patriotic. What makes us spiritual minded is thinking on things that are above, and not on things of the earth (Col 3:1-2). Prayer. Bible study. Fellowship. Discipleship. Worship. Outreach. Ministry. These strengthen our spiritual lives, not political activism or patriotic allegiance.
(3) Remember that your party’s political platform is not perfect.
Every four years the platform is tweaked and changed. It’s formed by ambitious and imperfect politicians. The Democrat party is not the same as it was 50 years ago. But neither is the Republican party. The only platform that is perfect is the one given by God and revealed through His infallible Word. (2 Tim. 3:26-17) And, it will provide for us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3)
(4) Stop saying “This is the most important election in the history of our nation.”
I’m hearing it. Again. In fact, I’ve said it in the past. But I was wrong. Every election has its own importance. I’ll leave the debate of the most important election to the historians. But I suggest the election of Abraham Lincoln might be difficult to beat.
Christians, however, need to be more concerned about their spiritual election by God’s grace. Be diligent. Make it sure. Stay focused. (2 Pet. 1:10-11)
(5) Pray for the elected leaders regardless of who wins.
The Bible commands prayerful respect for governmental authorities. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:1-3).
Mocking, jeering, and vilifying our elected officials on facebook grieves God and is a stain on our Christianity.
(6) Your candidate is not the last, best hope for America.
Yes, I know you really like him and his politics. But he’s imperfect. He doesn’t share all of your spiritual values. And if he loses, America is not doomed. The best hope of America is Jesus Christ. A return to faith. And the gospel message of salvation from sin. (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor 15:1-3)
Our hope transcends the policies and politics of this country, or any other country. Furthermore, the leaders are not in control of our destiny. God is.
(7) Remember your favorite talk show host and cable news channel is all about ratings.
Don’t allow the news celebrities to fill you with fear, or instill paranoia. Few, if any, are unbiased. They all have some agenda. And, they all want you to watch or listen to their program.
You might want to turn it off and spend time with your family. Or read a good book. Go visit a friend. Read your Bible. And pray for God’s guidance, strength and patience during this heated political season.
It’s good to be informed. Champion a noble cause. Work to make our country better. And vote your conscience. Just don’t lose perspective. Stay focused on what’s most important. And live godly in this ungodly world.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Dear Bro. Ken: Thanks for the insightful suggestions…the political scene can be truly confusing, if you let it! Have a JOYOUS day! In His love, Julie 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Julie. Have a great day
LikeLike
I’m really glad you wrote this post. Placing more emphasis on politics and patriotism than on working out ones own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12) has taken the focus of gaining heaven away from far too many Christians. This is a travesty! The apostle Paul said, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 3:20) Jesus prayed to the Father about His disciples, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:15-18) What did Jesus mean by this statement? I think He clarified it in Mark 16:15 when He told His disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Another area you addressed is that of the hateful and disrespectful vitriol Christians speak and post on social media about politicians. We need to remember what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-7 which summed up says we are to be subject to governing authorities, THEY ARE APPOINTED BY GOD (there’s a thought to chew on!), and resisting them brings judgment on ourselves because their authority is ordained by God Himself. And the apostle Paul most likely wrote this while evil Nero was in power in Rome!! Each person has to make their own individual decision based on God’s Word and their conscience, but a couple of years my husband and I made the decision to avoid all things political and focus our time and energy on daily taking up our crosses, seeking and saving the lost, working out or own salvation, spending more time in God’s Word, and praying for and speaking respectfully about our nations leaders. Keep preaching it, brother!
LikeLike
Thanks Tami. I appreciate you reading and taking the time to share your observations.
LikeLike
Brother Ken, I appreciate very much this timely article. At the end of every election cycle, the most important question still stands, where will your soul spend eternity?
Servant of Christ,
Fred Singleton
LikeLike
Thanks, Fred. You are so right. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment
LikeLike
I agree completely that we should focus on God first. I also believe that it is our civic responsibility to take part in elections. If Christians don’t vote, we will only have the uniformed and non-Christians leading our country. We need to study our candidates thoroughly and make the right decision for us and our children. We do not want to leave this country in more of a mess than it is because we did not participate. Let us all pray for this important election and that we get the most qualified and honest representative for the USA.
LikeLike
Billie, absolutely agree with what you wrote!
LikeLike
Billie, thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. I personally belief everyone should vote too. However, I have known several godly people who choose not to, for various reasons. So, I respect that opinion. As many of my previous posts indicate (filed under the category of “America”), we should be concerned about the moral climate of our day and shine as a light and be the salt of the earth. You’re a good friend, thanks for sharing your thoughts and regards to Cal.
LikeLike
Ken,
Really enjoying reading your past posts. Thank you for the time and effort invested in The Preachers Word.
Tim T.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate you reading my blog and for your encouraging words.
LikeLike
First I want to apologize for the length of this response. While I agree with the spirit of your message and I enjoy your point of view on most of the issues, I would caution Christians against making excuses for the obvious deterioration of our Godly values as a nation. Godly love should always guide our behavior regardless of our political beliefs. However, political correctness, even among brethren, is pressuring us to compromise because we are afraid of being labeled as hateful. God blessed us with a system of free speech that allows us to work out our differences. We have examples of the apostles suffering for speaking out against the “system.” We should not be ashamed of the fact that we live in a Representative Republic which, for now, gives us all a voice, legally. Where we often fail is in our ungodly and bad treatment of one another. Grace should be extended here because debate is often filled with passion. But when it becomes too personal we ought to remember our Lord’s command about how to treat others. I hope most of our brethren would respond to brotherly correction when we step over the line. Still, we have a right of free speech and other rights that are sacred to our fellow citizens and still in harmony with God’s words. I am thankful of this because it allows me to understand what is important to people and to reflect on my own responsibility and role as a Christian. It is a blessing no matter what happens – each election cycle we’ll get another shot the next time around. We live in a most unique system that people died to provide and God continues to preserve. This should not be taken lightly! As Christians, we should understand the limitations of politics but still do our best to have a good understanding of the issues that affect our world. If we fail to voice our concerns then we are partly to blame for the deterioration of our values. We have been blessed with a great country that allows us to worship and spread the Gospel freely. I hope this continues until our Lord returns. But, lately we are starting to see resistance to that privilege even to the point of promoting anti-Christian principles. This is the reason why many people are frustrated with the leadership in most of our once trusted institutions. We want leadership and guidance, not excuses on why we should give up our values to satisfy sinful behavior. We should be able to have lively and passionate discussions without being demonized for speaking our mind. That is the essence of free speech. Even in some of the closest and strong families there are sometimes fights worth having.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading my post and taking the time to share your thoughts, John. I appreciate it. And, I agree with everything you said! 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Around the Web (2/12) – InGodsImage.com
Reblogged this on ThePreachersWord and commented:
This week we continue to reblog the top 12 most read posts in 2016. Little did we know in January the extent to which this post was needed. It was reposted hundreds of times on facebook and ranked #6 for 2016
LikeLike