Why I Voted, But I Am Not Worried

I participated in early voting last week because it is my right and responsibility as an American. Like many of you, I am disturbed by this presidential cycle. I am not so much troubled by the candidates, their rhetoric, or even the biased media. I can look past those things because my faith in God’s sovereignty is far greater than my faith in Washington politics or even the American’s who will elect our President.

The reason I am troubled is because I am seeing how this election season is affecting the mood of my friends and even my church. I am seeing it create conflict even in families. While politics has always caused division, it seems this election has a far greater level of negativity.

If Philippians 4:6 instructs me, “Do not be anxious for anything…” would this Scripture not also apply to the looming election on November 8th or even the months and years following the election? How could I not worry when so much hangs in the balance? The future of the Supreme Court, the direction of our economy, immigration, healthcare, national security and national debt…all of these affect our daily lives. How can one not worry over these critical issues?

My aim in writing this is to help us rise above the noise and look confidently to the sovereignty of God. God’s sovereign control is the lens that should shape our view of the world, and especially politics. When our view becomes that of God’s unshakable, all-powerful sovereignty, then it enables us to rest in God’s ability to govern the affairs of men and even presidents.

While there are serious issues facing our country, the politicians we elect will not provide answers to the problems of our culture. Washington does not have the power to fix what is truly wrong in our country. As vital as the Supreme Court is, it cannot transform a heart. They can rule on transgender issues, but they cannot deliver a heart out of sin! Politics does not have that kind of power, only God does. So I want to help us understand how we should think and feel concerning the final days of the election, because the way the Church responds will have massive ramifications on American culture.

We Have Traded Respect for the Need to be Right
I have never seen a time of such division and sharp criticism. When I counsel marriages that are in trouble, I am amazed at how both individuals feel the need to be right about everything, even if it is insignificant or irrelevant to the root of their problems. Every small detail is a big detail when you are angry. Couples go to great lengths to prove their point and make sure I know they are right in how they feel.

I sense the same problem in our country. Doesn’t the Bible tell us in Matthew 24:12 that in the last days, the love of many will grow cold? I think part of the fulfillment of this verse is the way we are seeing people treat each other. There is so much anger and hatred that it seems at an all-time high, at least in my lifetime.

Neighbors are divided. Co-workers are divided. Families are divided…even churches are divided. Grant it, politics has always been divisive, but who can deny the greater affect this election is having than in previous cycles?

I am an avid news watcher, but I have not been able to watch the news in weeks because the arguments are becoming more contentious. It is affecting my own mood and I will not allow that. I can sense this in my own heart. When someone I know and respect posts something political on social media that I may not agree with, it affects how I view them. It shouldn’t, but somehow it does. Why should this cause division among my brothers in Christ? Why should I look at them differently because they hold a different feeling toward a political topic? There is something different about the climate of our country…and I feel it even in my own heart and relationships.

This is one reason why I do not share my political views publicly. It is not that I am embarrassed or even indifferent. It is that I will not allow anything to cloud people’s view of Jesus in my life. As a Christ-follower, I am an ambassador of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). Some might say, “Chad, as a pastor you should direct people how to vote.” No, as a pastor, I should direct people how to read, study and apply the principles of God’s Word to their lives. If I do that job well, then they will vote in a way that glorifies God.

I cannot alienate people from the message of the gospel because I endorse one candidate or disdain another. Could this block people from seeing the light of the gospel from my own life? I believe it can and so for this sole reason, I do not engage in political arguments. Titus 3:9 tells me, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because even these are unprofitable and useless.” For me, this means to be careful that I not get swept away by the arguments of politics. It may not apply to you, but it does to me and my pastoral ministry. I have watched each Presidential debate. I enjoy politics and I have very strong views. But I refuse to allow those views to hinder the gospel I am called to preach.

We Have Traded the Power of Prayer for Political Clout
The Church was never designed to be political. The Church is designed to experience and display the power of God. The problem is that we are willing to trade prayer gatherings for political arguments. I have seen many Christians engage in debates, but how many have come together to pray? This is where the power lies to turn the climate of our country. The Church will never succeed for the taking of the moral high ground a part from prayer.

Consider when James was murdered and Peter was arrested in Acts 12. The Church did not have anything. They did not have political clout or powerful politicians. They did not have money or even public buildings to worship in. But yet, when they prayed, Heaven responded. The people of their day saw God moving in His Church. Do the people of our day see the same? The answer is obvious. No, they do not. So why does God not move today as He did in the early church. The answer is simple. It is because we do not pray. Sure, we sign petitions, we follow policies, but do we pray? Prayer is how God has designed His church to operate. What else can combat the tsunami of sin hitting our nation?

Where do we go from Here?
America is in trouble. Half of Christ followers are angry and the other half are indifferent. How is the Church to respond? Well, I believe we vote our conscience, lay aside our differences, agree that God is in full, sovereign control, and that together, we are going to go forward in prayer.

The Mayberry days of the American Church are over. If ever we need the power of prayer it is now. If ever we should be guarded that we are not swept away by the dangerous currents of our country it is now. So what will you do, Christian? Will you sulk? Will you engage in quarrelsome arguments? Will you hide and be indifferent? Or will you engage in the greatest weapon God has given His people…Prayer! It is the way God has chosen to move on this earth and it is the way He will change our nation. “May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10.