1. Be informed. Make sure you know what are the policies and values of those who are seeking to be in positions of leadership. I wrote the previous four posts to help you understand what the Bible teaches about some of the most important issues facing our nation today. If you missed one of them, click on the links below:
- Freedom of Religion
- The Value of Each Human Life
- The Beauty of Marriage
- God and the Government: Financial Matters, Defense & More
2. Be involved. In every society, there are various ways for people to be involved, attempting to influence leaders to do things God’s way.
For example, God raised up Joseph to influence the pharaoh of Egypt, which provided a safe home for the children of Israel during a time of famine in their land. God raised up David as king over Israel, who led his nation to trust in the Lord. God raised up Jonah to warn the the people of Ninevah that if they did not repent of their evil ways that they would face judgment. Jesus instructed His followers to be “salt and light” in their communities, pointing people to an everlasting kingdom where all things are done the way God intends (the best way!).
In the USA, we have the opportunity to be involved in many ways: praying for our leaders and for elections, running for elected office, building friendships with leaders to help them see the benefits of doing things God’s way, and voting. Christians need to vote. As Charles Colson said, “Christians are the conscience of the culture.”
3. Be realistic. Remember, no matter who is elected to lead our nation, that person is only a person. Only Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. If you put too much hope in any earthly leader, you will be disappointed. No earthly leader will solve all of the world’s problems. Our prayer is that the leaders that are elected will work together to implement policies that are best for the citizens of our nation, in line with the truths clearly proclaimed in the Bible.
4. Be full of hope! No matter who is elected, some people are going to be disappointed because their candidate didn’t win. Christians, remember that our hope is in Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and Savior. He is our guide. We know that He has saved us by forgiving our sins, guaranteeing us an eternal home in heaven, and transforming us from the inside out. Keep putting your trust in Him. Live your life in line with God’s Word. And remember this encouragement from the Bible about being ready to share the hope you have:
1 Peter 3:15
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Perhaps God will use this election to lead more believers than ever to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people who don’t know Christ in a real and a personal way. Perhaps the next few years will be the greatest years spiritually that our nation has ever known. Perhaps more new churches will be started in the USA than ever before. Perhaps more people will begin living their lives in sync with God’s Word.
Let’s pray that God’s purposes will be accomplished, and that millions of people will trust in Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior!
Be full of hope!
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As our nation approaches election day in November, through these posts I want to explore what the Bible teaches about important issues that are facing our nation. This is post #5 of 5 on these topics.