November 2020

I dread election day; it makes me nervous. It is not in the fact that a president from either side will be elected for the next four years. It’s not in the fact that people freely have a right to choose whomever they want and it is certainly not in the fact that individuals have a right to voice their differing opinions across friend and family structures.

I am concerned regarding this election because of the atmosphere of division and destruction that can find its way into the church. It is silent and vocal. Sides are picked and for the most part held onto until the bitter end. One’s allegiance to a candidate often will not make sense to another and unfortunately lines are drawn. Sometimes when I hear that someone disagrees with me, it reminds me of the Pharisee in me declaring, “Thank God I am not like them.”

Many years ago, I was told that I was not a Christian because of my voting choices. I am certain this individual was told the very same thing from the opposing side. While we may have disagreed, we were brothers in Jesus, seeking the Kingdom of God, serving and living for the Jesus who lived, died, rose again and who will come again.

Like no other time in my life have I sought the Scriptures in the light of the gospel as to such a time like this. There are flaws on both sides of the aisle. No one group can produce the distinctiveness of the Kingdom of God. “Experts” pick apart each side according to their alignment and the size of their blinders. A flaw of a follower of Christ during any election is the belief that the candidate they choose becomes their ultimate hope-even their god.

I foresee conflict in the days ahead. This greatly saddens me. Regardless, if the person you chose wins or loses, it never gives any of us a reason to hate. Pastor Andy Stanley says, “Your candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior.”

The body of Christ despite its political differences is to seek unity under the grace of God and not on a particular person or party. At the end of the day vote your conscience, seek God and His Word in your decision. Most importantly always live for Christ.

“I am leaving you with a gift-a peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t, be troubled or afraid.” (Jesus-John 14:27)

Pastor Rich