Election Commentary - Part 3

In the previous two issues of St. John’s Messenger, I wrote about two scriptural ideas which should guide Christian voters. A few short weeks ago, that election was held, and a new president and other leaders for our nation have been elected. So, now that the election is past, what do you think? How did your vote compare with the results? Do you think those elected will be wise and godly leaders? Depending on how you answer these questions, there are implications for you as a Christian to consider.

Did the candidates you supported win? If so, be careful. When the candidates we favor are in power it can be very tempting to have a false sense of security and to place our hope and trust in them. Sometimes a person might even make the mistake of relying on political leaders to correct the world’s problems. If we follow down this path, our political leaders can even become an idol which displaces God. When we place hope in trust in elected officials above or instead of God, we have really put them in the place of God in our lives. God may certainly use these elected leaders to bless our nation or state, but our ultimate hope and trust should be in Him and not them. When we are given the privilege to choose our leaders, we must be vigilant to examine their actions and hold them accountable, even after they have been elected.

Were the candidates you supported defeated? Be careful also. Do not let yourself fall into despair, thinking that all is lost. When we allow ourselves to fall into hopelessness based on the results of an election, we have also made an idol out of elected leaders. We must keep in mind the fact that God ultimately guides all things. Even if an elected leader opposes and rejects God or is manifestly evil, God can still use that situation to carry out His will. We see this occurring frequently in the kings of Israel in the Old Testament. We also know from history that during the first centuries after Jesus death, the most wicked and immoral Caesars ruled Rome, but the church preached Christ and added believers anyway. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that “all things work together for good for those who love God.” Even if the rulers over us are not those we would choose, God is still ruling all things and guiding them for our benefit, regardless of which earthly leaders He uses to do so.

So, in these days between elections, obey your leaders, regardless of their party, but obey God above any human leader. Carefully study the actions of those who were elected so that you are prepared to play your part in influencing those elected next for the benefit of your neighbor and nation. And trust that, whatever the earthly appearance, God is guiding all of human history for His will, which is that people hear and believe the Gospel of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

[Pastor's article from St. John's Messenger newsletter December 2008]