Good Advice in an Election Year

While I personally have political views and a party affiliation, I try to keep ThePreachersWord free from promoting partisan politics or politicians.

However, I read some good advice from the conservative columnist Cal Thomas, worthy of your consideration. I offer it with a few comments.

You see warnings everywhere, especially when driving. Don’t text and drive. Pay attention when driving. Don’t be distracted.

This advice could apply to a lot of things. It is especially true when it comes to what Scripture refers to as the two Kingdoms. So often we allow the kingdom of this world, which is passing away along with all the temporary glory it offers, for the Heavenly Kingdom which last forever and whose glory never fades.

Short-term we hear politicians making all sorts of promises, many of which will never be fulfilled for all sorts of reasons–a divided country bring just one of them.

If you are a follower of Jesus, ask yourself which kingdom you are serving the most. What difference would it make if you focused more on that Kingdom to come and less on the earthly kingdom. I’m not saying we shouldn’t vote, or pray for those in authority, but in the long run what difference will it make?

The media helps us focus on this temporary kingdom because it adds to ratings, money and their power. Politicians, too, for similar reasons.

If you are looking to truly influence the country and culture, try following the command of Jesus of Nazareth and notice the difference. Jesus never fails.

Apart from whatever religious views or church affiliation Thomas may hold, his advice is solid, sound and scriptural.

Jesus told the Roman Governor, Pontus Pilate, the consummate politician, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36).

Jesus’ Kingdom is spiritual, not physical. It is based on spiritual principles and has a spiritual purpose. Its citizens are to be a spiritual people, who are born into it by spiritual seed. In it we receive spiritual blessings, as we offer spiritual sacrifices. Furthermore, our warfare is spiritual, not carnal.

Neither Cal Thomas nor this blogger is saying that involvement in political affairs is wrong. The point of this post is to ask, “Which is the most important to you?” Of the two kingdoms, which one do you devote the most time, effort, and energy? And which kingdom do you believe has the greater opportunity to change the world for good?

Sadly, some Christians get so worked up during an election year promoting, politicking, and posting on social media for their preferred candidate that it hinders and obstructs their Christian influence.

Being the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16), should be about serving and shining for Jesus. Not a politician. In fact, anything that clouds or diminishes our spiritual influence ought to be reconsidered, reevaluated, and curtailed.

Wisdom, discretion, and balance are needed in such matters. We can hold to personal opinions about politics without being rude, crude and offensive. Paul’s admonition in Colossians 4:5-6 has application in this area.  “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

As the election draws closer and issues are debated, we will be inundated with heated charges, name-calling, and ad hominem attacks. Let us as Christ-followers rise above the fray. Jesus’ counsel to the disciples is fitting for our time as we live in this kingdom. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16-17).

In this election year, let’s not forget who and what is really important. Know that in God’s providence He can use whoever wins elections to accomplish His ultimate purpose. And always remember that as citizens of His Kingdom, we should honor our King by our attitudes, actions and speech.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman