Should Christians in America vote? This world is temporary, and we’ll one day join God in our eternal home. So why participate in the mayhem of an election cycle?
God has called us to make a difference where we live: in the community by volunteering to help under-resourced members of our cities and in after school programs; by asking the single parent down the street how we can help; and by financially supporting child sponsorship groups, organizations that support people fleeing abuse, or charities that support teen moms. We also make a difference when we vote.
When Queen Esther’s cousin Mordecai uncovered a plot to destroy the Jews, she was faced with a hard choice: death for Jews or possible death for herself. Mordecai wanted her to approach the king and ask for his help to save the Jews. Going to the king before he called for her could have meant Esther’s death. Mordecai responded, “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed…Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
We have the answers this world is looking for, the message of the Gospel: We are sinful people, but God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die in our place. The world needs that message! But God placed you and me in this country, in this century – perhaps, as Mordecai said, “For such a time as this.” To make a difference now. To make a difference here.
As we read through this plan, we won’t address who to vote for. That’s up to you to decide. But we’ll address the anxiety we might feel, what God is already doing, and how we can respond as people who love God and love our neighbors.
Prayer: Dear God, help me to trust in you for all things, including what happens in this election. Help me to respond with love, gentleness, and hope. Help me to remember that the most critical message is not from a politician but from you, that you love us and want a relationship with us, and made it possible through the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. Amen.