What’s the most important thing on your mind this week?
Maybe, like some of us, you’re passionately following the World Series or thrilled the NBA is back, or just trying to remember to turn the clocks back at the end of daylight savings time. Or perhaps you’re hoping the kids won’t discover your hidden stash of Halloween candy.
But this week many of us are thinking–some of us worrying–about the upcoming election. Who will be our next president and what will it mean for our country, for us, and for the world?
Those questions are important. But they aren’t the most important thing.
How can we be so sure?
Because the Bible tells us what matters most. And what God says matters more than any election.
Let’s see how God’s word compares to the political rhetoric around us:.
God doesn’t ask us to love our favorite political candidate and despise the other. He teaches us to love and pray for our neighbors and our enemies (even those on the other side of the aisle).
God doesn’t command His people to campaign tirelessly or stay up all night watching election results roll in. He tells us to not grow weary doing good and to pray without ceasing–truly admirable reasons to lose sleep.
God doesn’t suggest we build doomsday shelters or plan to relocate out of fear of an unfavorable result. Over and over in scripture He tells us not to fear and not to worry.
We’re reminded not to put our hope in this world, its systems, or election outcomes. Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness” and that’s where our focus is meant to be.
In January, someone will be inaugurated President of the United States. No matter who that is, God is still God. He’s in control. He’s on the throne. And He’s still got you, your family, and your future in His loving, capable hands. He’s not nervous. He’s not worried or threatened.
He’s forever sovereign and His Kingdom endures. And that’s very, very good news.
So I am praying for us all, that as we go through this potentially tumultuous week that we will stay united in our love for God, our faith in Christ and our hope for HIs righteous, everlasting rule.
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).