September 25, 2024

In view of the upcoming election, I want to ask you some questions.

1.  As a follower of Christ am I more concerned about being informed and voting in the national election or being informed and voting in our church’s next member’s meeting?

I think that you can and should do both, but I suspect that a number of you assume the national election to be more important. It isn’t! Not for us. Jesus commands us to seek first his kingdom. Our study of Luke makes this so clear that Jesus preached and preached on the kingdom of God and then sent his disciples to preach about the kingdom of God and at the end of the book of Acts, Paul was still preaching about the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is what will last forever. Our highest priority is to display the gospel of Jesus in a healthy church since healthy local churches is the means that God has raised up to give people a preview of the coming reign of Christ.

Therefore, as a follower of Christ who desires to see the Kingdom of God displayed through healthy local churches, I should steward every opportunity that God gives me to do that. The primary means is the preaching of the gospel and the life of God’s people in his church. At the same time, we are citizens of this country. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. But, while we are here, we are to pray “for kings and for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2.2) If we are to pray for our leaders that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives, then it makes sense that when given the opportunity, we should vote in a way that pursues the same end.

2. As a follower of Christ am I more concerned about how others vote or if others know Christ?

We have members of our congregation who are involved in our communities’ political processes and I am truly grateful for that. I see that as being valuable and consistent with our testimony. We can do that and should do that, but not as the ultimate goal. Elections do not change the eternal destiny of a soul. They may help create environments where the church has the freedom to preach and gather, but the election itself is not the end game. Last year I did a talk on Christian Nationalism in an effort to point out its weaknesses and futility in accomplishing what only the church can. Keep in mind that our government cannot bind a conscience, change a heart, or consistently display the gospel. This will help protect you from thinking that the government can do all that you hope.

3. As a follower of Christ can I support a candidate who champions our freedoms to murder the unborn? I cannot see how you can.

4. As a follower of Christ can I champion the cause of a candidate who is immoral, arrogant, and deceitful? Here is what I really want many of you to stop and think about. When you identify yourself so deeply with a person whose life is fundamentally antithetical to the gospel you risk tarnishing the gospel because you are willing to overlook flagrant sin just because this person says what you want to hear. I know, we are not electing a pastor. I certainly get that. But again, can you champion a person that history has proven cannot be trusted with women?

5. Do you really believe the last point of the sermon from Sunday? Actually, it was the last sub point of the final point, but I pointed out that the mission of Christ will always win. Beloved, do not approach this election with fear. Do not live in bondage to what if. Our God reigns. We do what we should do under the victorious reign of Christ. Keep your eye on what matters forever.

6. Am I charitable in all my ways? (Like comments on social media) Am I more concerned about proving a point, exposing the weaknesses of others, mocking foibles or wooing people to Christ?

7. If a brother or sister in Christ does not share the same perspective that you do, are you charitable and loving or argumentative and dismissive? This is not a minor issue!

I do not write this to be inflammatory or argumentative. I write this to as your shepherd who wants to lead you to green pastures and beside still waters. I want you to think carefully and consistently as a follower of Christ and NOT let this world squeeze you into its mold.

Grace and PEACE!

Bob

Sunday’s Text:  Luke 9:10-17