How long did you stand in line to cast your vote in this year’s election? It took my right at four hours to complete the process, and boy did my feet and back hurt by the end. Since I was not born in the country, I feel extra privileged to vote in an election. I became a naturalized citizen in 1985, and I voted in every election since that time. But, which is more critical in the election. Let’s look at faith vs. politics?
Faith vs. Politics
Today, as I got up to the table, I handed over my voter registration card. Then, the person flipped through the big book of names until she found mine. Next, I signed and received my ballot. Once I completed my vote, I slipped into the counting machine. My civic duty complete, I headed home to make dinner and wait for the results.
Time Spent
During this process, I did notice several things that I found interesting. Surrounded by hundreds of people, I pondered how many of us would willingly stand-in line for four hours to attend church? Or better yet, how many would want to be in church for four hours? As we stood in line together, no one grumbled too much because we thought the purpose was essential. Yet, sometimes I notice people start to check their watches at church on Sundays after about an hour. Do we value voting more than our faith? Let’s look at the Bible for information about faith vs. politics.
What does the Bible say about voting and elections?
Psalm 146:3-10 (ESV) “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.”
Identity
To become a voter, we register and receive a voter registration card. This card tells the polls if we are in the right place and authorized to participate in the process. The card will also show your party affiliation. During an election year, many will add bumper stickers to their cars to proclaim their allegiance. But, we need to remember to find our identity in Christ alone. Is our political party more important than a relationship with Christ? Let’s look at the Bible for information about faith vs. politics.
What does the Bible say about our identity?
Galatians 2:20; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Book of Names
We see ads for weeks before the election to remind us to get registered so we can vote. For us to vote, the precinct must find our names listed in their logs. And the name must match exactly. For example, if we got married and forgot to change our name on our voter registration, they may not allow us to vote. Then, we sign next to our name to confirm that it is really us. Are the voter rolls the most vital place to find our name? Let’s look at the Bible for information about faith vs. politics.
What does the Bible say about the book of names?
Revelations 20:15; “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
The Winner
As I write this post, the election has not been decided yet. We may not know the full results for a few more days. Either way, whoever wins will be president. But, we must look to our King for the direction of our lives. Because, in the end, it is not the donkey or the elephant that matters. We should place all our hope and future in the Lamb. The donkey and the elephant will fail us, but God never will.
What does the Bible say about who to follow?
Proverbs 3:5-6; “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Prayer
Holy Father, thank you for the opportunity to have a voice in the way my government runs. I praise you for the vote that I have. During this time of debate, diffusion, and decision-making, please have Your sovereign hand over this country. Please keep our nation healthy during this season. Give us the peace that passes understanding about the vote and the outcome. You Word says that You change the times and the seasons, so You are in control of this phase in our nation’s history. I ask for the season to not be volatile and that our country would see You in it. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. (https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/prayers-for-election-season.html)
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan, author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Amen! A timely post for today as we wait and watch. This passage is a favorite of mine, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever.” In HIM is my hope, either way, whichever man he seems should lead us at this time. All are subordinate to Jesus.
Amen Melinda. God is still in charge. Thanks and God bless.
This post so resonated with me. We cannot put our trust in worldly systems or people.
So very true. The worldly systems will always fail us but God will not. Thanks Candice and God bless.
Amen. We are called to worship God, not people. No matter who wins the election, God is still God. He is the way, the truth and the light. God never leaves us or forsakes us. We are covered in His protection and love.
You are so correct Melissa. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 NIV. Thanks and God bless.
I love that: the donkey and elephant will fail us, but God never will. Amen! Thanks for the perspective. My feet were sore after two hours of waiting to vote. Poor you at FOUR hours, ugh!
Yuck on two hours also. But very worth it in the long run. Thanks Jessica and God bless
This election will determine how we carry out our faith going forward. Great post, Yvonne. God bless!
I think you are so right. We must be in prayer daily for our country and for the church. Thanks Nancy and God bless
Wow, such a powerful post! Thank you, Yvonne, for contrasting our voting process with our commitment to Christ. He alone is our KING and LORD. May we live like this is true! Thank you for keeping our eyes centered on Christ. Such a blessed message!
He is our Sovereign King and we know He wins in the end. Thanks Melissa and God bless.
Oh, Yvonne, I love this analogy so much! Especially this truth “The donkey and the elephant will fail us, but God never will.”
I hope more people will begin to follow the Lamb. Thanks Karen and God bless.
Timely reminders of where our certainty rests. This is a lesson that persecuted Christians in other countries have already learned.
And hopefully more people will learn here too. Thanks Ava and God bless