Staying Faithful in an Election Year

September 5, 2024

Throughout this election year in 2024 here at Hope, we have intentionally chosen preaching series that touch on the topics of living as faithful, authentic followers of Jesus. We know that we care deeply about politics and the issues that are represented. But we also acknowledge that there is a spirit of division, fear and idolatry that can run through the church family if we allow it. We know that the Spirit that is authentically from God is one of love, unity and adoption as children of God.

Here are some points of encouragement from the LMC network of churches that Hope is a part of. As we vote this year, let us remember to give our highest loyalty and allegiance to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus.

Notes of Encouragement by William Higgins

  1. We already have a Messiah. Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9). Because Jesus is the one, true Messiah, “the King of kings and the Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16) there can be no other. This is why we must firmly reject political false messiahs who come and say they will save us and make our problems go away. Our King is more than able to take care of us.
  2. We already have a political party. God’s kingdom has come, and we are submitted to God’s rule. As such we are a holy nation, citizens of heaven and God’s ambassadors (1 Peter 2:9; Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20). God has chosen to use us to change the world (1 Corinthians 1:26-30); to bring about the new creation. It is true that God uses governments to keep order. But it is the church that is a light to the nations of God’s better way of being and living (Matthew 5:14).
  3. We already have a political platform. This is found in the Scriptures, for instance, Jesus’s inaugural sermon (Luke 4:16-21), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the two greatest commands (Mark 12:28-34), the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and Paul’s reflections on God’s purpose of joining together Jews and Gentiles in the Messiah (Ephesians 3:1-13). These and more guide us as we work for the spread of God’s kingdom on earth by inviting people to be a part of our alternative community ruled by Jesus.
  4. We already have all the power we need. Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18). We have the power of the good news of Jesus (Romans 1:16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). It is this power that transforms people’s lives. It also creates new communities that embody the way of Jesus. And these communities are to be a force for good in the nations where we live as exiles (Hebrews 11:13). Remember, the early church did not have worldly political power, and Greco- Roman culture was in a worse condition than ours. But God used them to change the world.
  5. We already have a firm basis of faith and hope as we live in this world. God is sovereign and oversees all. We do not need to heed the voices that call us to fear; that say, “if our candidate isn’t elected civilization will collapse.” Scripture tells us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in a son (or daughter) of man, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 146:3). God is the one who raises up and brings down nations and rulers (Daniel 5:21b). And this regardless of how we might vote. And even if the worst happens, Jesus still reigns and watches over us.

As we engage with the world as representatives of God’s kingdom to address its problems and seek its well-being in love for our neighbors (Jeremiah 29:7), we should not be governed by fear. Rather we can have great faith and hope in God and the power God has given us, in our party and platform, and in our King, Jesus.

Questions For Reflection

  1. Are your political statements consistent with your Christian faith and practice? If you spread gossip and slander about a candidate on social media, it is still gossip and If you cheer on your candidate as they lie, you are approving of sin (James 3:6). Scripture calls us to “honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17). This, even if the person is not honorable. We are to show respect to all people because they are loved by God and made in God’s image. We can disagree with them, dislike them and even be disgusted by their behavior. But this does not justify expressions of hatred, ridicule or scorn. If you count the person as an enemy, love them and pray for them (Luke 6:27-28).
  2. Are you protecting yourself against idolatry? Political ideologies seek our complete allegiance. And sadly, for many, politics becomes their true religion, including some Christians. This is evidenced by how they believe that only their candidate and platform can make a difference in the world. They put their faith and hope in these and thus also their efforts, energy and finances. Yet we can’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). And we must beware of all worldly ideologies that seek to take us “captive” (Colossians 2:8). We need to keep political involvement in proper perspective. This is not how God is going to fix the world. Jesus is working through his people to bring true and lasting change.