We are now less than a week away from one of the most controversial and contentious elections in decades.
Many of us have heard and said many of the following statements in regards the Nov. 3 vote:
“The future of our country hangs in the balance”
“This is the most important election in history”
And some of us have said and heard some of these statements in regards to the candidates:
“It’s like choosing between two chairs on the titanic”
“I’ll have to hold my nose and vote”
You’ve heard them all. We’ve said them all. Of course I’m not going to tell you how to vote, but I will tell you a few things to keep in mind. How should a Christian view this year’s election?
First, with gratitude.
As much as you may not like the choices, remember voting is more than a right, it’s a privilege. We get the freedom to vote and not everyone gets that. People gave their lives for that choice we have.
It’s important that we remember to be grateful for the opportunity. I was telling my 18-year-old as she prepped for her first chance to vote… “If for no other reason, we vote because we can.”
Of course, there are other reasons and moral obligations that go along with our chance to be the change we pray for, but in seasons when you think the candidates or issues don’t either affect you or agree with you, we still vote… Simply, because we can.
Second, with prayer.
As much as we celebrate the right to vote, we recognize that there is a greater One behind all of this – greater than our voting, greater than our country, and greater than our freedom.
And it is to Him that we pray and ask for his leading.
Remember what God would often do in the Old Testament if the King would not follow him? He’d raise up a prophet or a pioneer to lead from another chair, rather than the throne of power.
Joseph became the second in command to Pharaoh. Daniel influenced policy to a King who built a statue of himself for people to worship. And Jeremiah influenced several Kings as they hesitated to obey God.
I like what Mike Breaux says, “We should pray for a Joseph.”
Finally, with hope.
As dark of days as you think the church is living in, we are a long ways from Christians being thrown to lions and used to light the President’s garden parties.
If the church can survive (and thrive) during the reign of Nero in the first century, I think it will make it with either Trump or Biden as President.
So, here’s my election prediction: No matter who gets elected on Nov. 3rd, Jesus will still be King.
Your Pastor,
Rusty George
Amen !!!
Thank you. This was really helpful!
Weak Rusty. This is how a Christian pastor should advise his congregation on how to vote.
https://static.billygraham.org/sites/lp.billygraham.org/uploads/prod/2020/09/2020-Digital-Election-Guide-2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR03-3f8zSySVNalkcvep0qJnWHp7F4qQVKCR18rNRgn-pQoXFC08mfyRv0
Well said. Yes God is in control
Good, Godly approach. Beats complaining……constructive, too. A Christian Pastor I heard used to close each of his messages with this: “Remember, God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things”.
Nothing has changed. (–& yes, voting IS a privilege; thank God we are living in a country that affords us such grace)
Thank you for your thoughtful comments… It really helps to give me a more settled feeling. I know the reasons for my decisions, but usually can’t seem to keep my thoughts to myself. I think of all the sacrifices. But, it seems, my biggest hurdle, is trying not to give “suggestions or extra help” to God.
Maybe we should examine the actions, policies and votes of both candidates to see which one actually supports Biblical principles, rather than just pretending. Which candidate actually has shown to be a friend of our faith, and who is an enemy.
If you need an example, ask yourself, who promotes the killing of unborn babies, and who opposes it?
The choice is clear to anyone who has eyes.
So it’s beholden on the president to save us from our moral failings? I think not and I don’t support your rational for electing a president.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=776174209839911
I highly recommend everyone see this YouTube Video titled: Church in America Wake Up! by Pastor Gary Hamrick of Corner Stone Chapel in Virginia – https://youtu.be/10HRwSKTUiU before you vote.
Wow! Go Pastor Gary!! I enjoyed and appreciate you sharing.
Thanks Janet! Evil prevails when good men say and do nothing.
Pastor Gary’s message is one to listen to, and more pastors should be preaching a similar message, “Church in America Wake Up!”
This is great! I’m sharing. Thank you and much blessings to you and Pastor Gary. 🙌🙏🙌
I believe Rusty is correct in not positing a specified political candidate to support. Yes there is a side that states that one party is not protecting the unborn, yet that same side touts misinformation suggesting that mask wearing and social distancing are not effective and that COVID 19 “will go away on its own” which has inevitably led to more illness and death.
Of course that does not diminish abortion as an important issue it most definitely is. However issues such as institutional racism, ecological and climate change, income inequality, and criminal justice reform which all are issues that also directly affect peoples lives are equally important.
It was estimated that tens of thousands died in excessive heat waves in France in 2019 led to 1500 excess deaths. The life span of a black person vs a white person in the US is 3 1/2 years shorter on average. And of course the lack of a comprehensive health care plan for all Americans put millions at risk for suffering more illness and yes higher mortality rates than those fortunate enough to have employer based insurance.
Long story short, the discussion around which candidate to support in an election rarely is a black/white single issue decision. One must look at the policy decisions, platforms, and yes the suitability and qualifications of the respective candidate choices to determine what in one’s mind is a better choice.
Remember: Don’t let your politics effect your theology, BUT ALWAYS let your theology influence you politics
Thank you Rusty for supporting us as we work through these trying times. I appreciate your thoughts following each of the debates, guiding us to consider the spiritual consequences of our times.
Personally, I am pleased to see Christians coming together ~ insisting on our faith not being manipulated by politicians. Happy with Not Our Faith https://notourfaith.com/
“If the church can survive (and thrive) during the reign of Nero in the first century, I think it will make it with either Trump or Biden as President.” REALLY?
I couldn’t agree less with this statement, Rusty. We WILL NOT survive as a freedom loving Christian nation, under God, without politicians who will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States! I know you have to try to be “neutral” because of your disparate congregation. However, this election is too critical to trust the opposing party who seems to resent anything to do with the founding Fathers, religion, common sense or decency.
Bottom line; if the current Administration does not win re-election, then I fear we will be living under a Marxist dogma that will doom us for generations to come. God help us!
“If the church can survive (and thrive) during the reign of Nero in the first century, I think it will make it with either Trump or Biden as President.” REALLY?
I couldn’t agree less with this statement, Rusty. We WILL NOT survive as a freedom loving Christian nation, under God, without politicians who will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States! I know you have to try to be “neutral” because of your disparate congregation. However, this election is too critical to trust the opposing party who seems to resent anything to do with the founding Fathers, religion, common sense or decency.
Bottom line; if the current Administration does not win re-election, then I fear we will be living under a Marxist dogma that will doom us for generations to come. God help us!
Why won’t you publish my original remarks?
For humanity sake, vote to protect the unborn. We can deal w/ those that make it, but the unborn, abandoned and eliminated need our protection. The party that received and accepted $50M from Planned Parenthood is no friend of our faith.
Thank you, Rusty, for this post. This is such a difficult time for all of us. I’ve lamented many times in the past few months about the division in the Church (capital C Church in the macro) around this election and it breaks my heart. Thank you for pointing us to Jesus. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your heart.
Thank you for the clarification I needed! This was a tough choice and I’m so glad I made the correct one. I hope this message goes out to as many people as possible! Thanks for sharing Rusty, you always put stuff out there when people need it most.
“If the church can survive (and thrive) during the reign of Nero in the first century, I think it will make it with either Trump or Biden as President.” REALLY?
I couldn’t agree less with this statement, Rusty. We WILL NOT survive as a freedom loving Christian nation, under God, without politicians who will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States! I know you have to try to be “neutral” because of your disparate congregation. However, this election is too critical to trust the opposing party who seems to resent anything to do with the founding Fathers, religion, common sense or decency.
Bottom line; if the current Administration does not win re-election, then I fear we will be living under a Marxist dogma that will doom us for generations to come. God help us!