Early voting began in my state on Tuesday, October 13. Contemplating the importance of this election I knew that I first wanted to have a prepared heart, then vote early in person. Realizing that America will change for the better only as its citizens’ hearts change, I chose to prepare my heart by meditating upon Psalm 51 before I prepared by sample ballot. Its contents compelled me to:
Pray for cleansing and deliverance from my sins (51:1-2).
Acknowledge my sin against God (51:3-6).
Seek personal cleansing (51:7-12).
Recommit my life to His service (51:13-17).
Petition my heavenly Father for the restoration of America (51:18-19).
Second Chronicles 7:11-16 focuses on the conditions for national forgiveness of Israel’s sin and is a model for the restoration of our nation:
Humility
Prayer
Longing for God
Repentance
Though the concept of repentance is basically foreign to the 21st century culture, Malachi 3:7 offers the plan to integrate it into the fiber of our country if its citizens are willing to do so:
“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statues and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts ...”
Repentance involves returning to God, forsaking sin, and obeying Him. Calls to repent abound throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament the nations of Israel and Judah repeatedly strayed from the Lord, and yet each time God sent messengers to plead with His people to return to Him. I believe that the current pandemic, the catastrophic natural disasters, as well as the civic and political unrest that America is experiencing are messengers that He is using to urge Christians to repent and return to Him. More than likely, what is true for America is true for countries throughout the world.
The Greek word for repentance in the New Testament means “to think differently about something or to have a change of mind.”
Citizens need to adopt the pattern outlined by Solomon if we desire a change in America:
Acknowledge that individually we have pursued our own agenda rather than seeking God’s.
Admit that we have presumed on God’s graciousness.
Concede that we have wandered from God’s leadership.
The application of Solomon’s pattern can result in the triple promise of hearing, pardon, and healing!
I recently read of two neighbors who, though they embrace differing political views, experience a warm relationship with one another. Each posted a sign in their yard supporting their presidential candidate choice. However, placed in the grassy area between them was a sign containing a heart and directional arrows pointing to one another’s homes. The sign indicated that though they differed in their political persuasions, they were choosing to protect their friendship. Such a response reflects the application of the “Royal Law” described in John 13:34-35 and is one that all Americans should embrace. Kelsey’s Korner provides several essential considerations for Christians to ponder as our “Poll Participation” is contemplated.
KELSEY’S KORNER
The year 2020 is one for the records. Between the global pandemic, the riots and civil unrest, and the catastrophic natural disasters (to name only a few of the hardships Americans have faced this year), why not throw an extremely controversial presidential election into the mix? So many of us feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and unmotivated—why vote when the choices are so, to put it kindly, unbecoming? More importantly, as Christians who must give an account to God for our actions, how do we choose who to vote for? Here are four considerations to keep in mind:
How should I view politics?
Christians are notorious for placing politics and religion on equal playing fields, and it’s an easy mistake to make! Both are deep devotions that deal with morality and standards on how one should live their life, yet they cannot be treated as the same. The Constitution contains the words and thoughts of man, but the Bible contains the very thoughts and standards of God! In other words, when we someday stand before the Lord in judgment, He will care very little about our views on tax law or whether we were a constitutional originalist. Instead, the Lord will hold humanity to the standards set forth from His inspired Word. With this in mind, we must carefully construct our political views from the morals, standards, and emphases found in the Word of God, not the other way around.
Why should I vote?
Democracy in America is a unique and exciting way to make our voices and opinions heard. This should be an even more stimulating prospect for a follower of Christ, as it’s an opportunity to make an impact on our nation for the Lord! God cares about the poor. He cares about the unborn child. He cares about the sick and afflicted. He cares about marriage. How we vote impacts all of these areas and more.
What should I vote for?
We must vote for whoever or whatever meets the closest standard of biblical “good” and creates the least amount of evil for our nation. When choosing a person or political party to side with, seek to give your vote to the candidates that most closely share the moral values set forth in Scripture. Although we know that the works of those who aren’t saved have no impact in earning salvation or credit before God (Gal. 2:16), we do believe nations who have been given over to a debased mind are in judgment by God (Rom. 1:18-2:11). And a nation given over to “do what ought not to be done” is a terrifying nation to live in (Rom. 1:28).
It’s also important to remember, however, that electing the next president is not the same as electing a church elder—candidates’ character traits will likely be in opposition to many of the qualifications of an elder laid forth in Scripture (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Instead of trying to elect the best president based simply on their character qualities (although, that is important), electing someone based on their platform’s values and promises will usually have the largest impact for good on the nation. Use wisdom and discernment when choosing who should have your vote.
What should my attitude be?
Our attitudes should be sober and prayerful, seeking unity instead of causing more division (Rom. 12:18, Titus 3:2, 10). You will meet many strong Christians with differing political views than you, and that’s ok! Respectful conversations to discover why your brother or sister in Christ takes a particular political stance is fine, especially if you believe their stance is not in alignment with the values set forth in Scripture. But, at the end of the day, remember—politics and religion, though both are sets of values, differ vastly in importance. Be careful not to over-emphasize the uninspired, man-made rules of politics!
Once the election is over, Scripture calls us to assume a stance of respect and obedience to the new leader, whoever that may be (Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1). Just as God used Babylon and other evil nations for His purposes (Jer. 43:10; Isa. 13:3), He can (and will) use any leader or political party to accomplish His will (Rom. 13:1-7). As long as the government is not enforcing sin, as ambassadors for Christ to the watching world, we are called to respectfully obey (2 Cor. 5:20; Titus 2:7). Remember, God places leaders into place, and we trust HIM, therefore, pray for your leaders—for wisdom, for a soft and humble heart, for salvation. Pray for the country—for unity, for revivals, for a reform to the values of the Bible. And pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ—that our votes would have an impact on the nation for good.
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)
Therefore, I may boldly say, humility, prayer, a longing for God, and repentance are essential elements if America is to be restored to a right relationship with God.
You might enjoy other of our attitude related Posts:
Are You Able to Solve the Contentment Equation?
Is There Enough Evidence to Convict You?
Are You Content in Your Tests and Trials?
Do You Embrace a Purpose Driven Life
Blessings on your day as you focus on making your house a home!