• Someone said recently:
If trump wins the election, I will leave the United States
If Kamala wins the election, I will leave the United States
This is not a political post, I just want to travel
• After the Russian election Putin meets with his staff
Staff: “Sir Comrade Vlad, we have got good news and bad news for you.”
Putin: “I’m not scared of bad news, I’ve wrestled bears, tigers and a small rhino with my bare Russian hands. Hit me!”
Staff: “Your opponent got 51% of the votes.”
Putin: “That is terrible news! What on earth can be the good news?!”
Staff: “You got 52%..”
• Voting results have just been certified at my house
My wife will remain in charge for another four years
• Voting this year feels like I’m at a grocery store
And I have to pick between an orange and a vegetable
Ok, enough of that!
Let’s get to the subject at hand
A Christian should maintain their ethical standards,
no matter who wins an election
As we approach another election season,
we find ourselves in a country that is increasingly divided.
The political landscape can often feel like a battleground,
where integrity is tested, and our ethical Christian standards are challenged.
I want to focus today, just two day’s from our election,
how we, as Christians, can maintain our integrity in this divisive election.
My premise is simple:
Christian integrity must be upheld regardless of the election outcome.
Let us turn to the Word of God for guidance as we navigate these turbulent times.
As a Christian:
I. Prayer is our Posture
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
QUOTE: Stress is what happens when we try to impose our will on life. -- Karl Schmidt
I’ve never seen a more stressful election than this one.
It really does. Remind me of the scripture about Jesus coming back, equating it to birth pains.
How as in child labor, the mother experiences, stronger and stronger birth pains more frequently before the actual birth.
This is why we need prayer now more than ever.
Particularly now before the election
A. Importance of Intercession
1. Praying for leaders and authorities… our text say’s prayers be made, “for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
As citizens of heaven and our country,
we are called to hold our leaders accountable through prayer and action.
Accountability begins with us!
we must ensure that our voices are heard and that we advocate for righteousness.
We are not merely passive observers but active participants in the democratic process.
2. Pray that our leaders seek God’s guidance in decision-making
Proverbs 28:15 (KJV) As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
B. Humility in Approach
1. Acknowledging our dependence on God
Without God, we are nothing! We have nothing, we understand nothing, we are completely naked and in the dark. Everything we do as a Christian relies on the knowledge and Providence of God in our lives.
2. Fostering a spirit of unity among believers
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Again, prayer is a powerful weapon that we have in our arsenal to win the battles not only personally, but also with the people with whom we dwell. God makes us better citizens by far.
As a Christian:
II. We Demonstrate Principled Participation
EISENHOWER ON LEADERSHIP
“In order to be a leader a man must have followers.
And to have followers, a man must have their confidence.
Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity.
Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office.
If a man’s associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail.
His teachings and actions must square with each other.
The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”
A. Respect for Authority
Romans 13:1-4 (KJV) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
1. Understanding God’s sovereignty in governance…
Ask Christian’s, we must remember that God is always in control!
And if God is in control, then there is a purpose in a plan behind it.
And believe me, you don’t want to drift away from the plan of God
2. Engaging respectfully with differing opinions …
It does no good to always present yourself as being right. We need to learn to listen respectfully to what others have to say regardless if we agree or not.
B. Ethical Engagement
1 Peter 2:13-17 (KJV) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
1. Voting with integrity and conscience
When we vote, we vote our conscience. The Bible tells us that God leads our conscious as Christians. There is no such thing as a “God party”, running for president.
We only have Republican, democrat, Independent, libertarian and others.
We are not electing Jesus.
His reign will come soon enough.
2. Advocating for justice and righteousness
In every election cycle, every candidate claims to advocate for justice and to do what is right. And then after the campaign is over, they go back doing whatever they want to do until the next election cycle.
We live in a world of hypocrites and liars.
But we still must vote for the best person regardless of whether we like their personality or not.
Our civic duty is to vote the best candidate
We must do what is right as Christians.
Someone told me just a few days ago that they are not going to vote.
And I said, “great, then I’ll make the choice for you”.
As a Christian:
I. Prayer is our Posture
II. We Demonstrate Principled Participation
III. We have a Purposeful Perspective
ILLUSTRATION: LOOK THEM IN THE EYE
"During World War II, economist E.F. Schumacher, then a young statistician, worked on a farm. Each day he would count the 32 head of cattle, then turn his attention elsewhere. One day an old farmer told him that if all he did was count the cattle, they wouldn’t flourish. Sure enough, one day he counted 31; one was dead in the bushes. Now Schumacher understood the farmer: you must watch the quality of each animal. ’Look him in the eye; study the sheen of his coat. You may not know how many cattle you have, but you might save the life of one that is sick.’"
A. Focus on What is Good
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1. Filtering information through a biblical lens
Everything we do, everything we say, everything we see should always be through a biblical lens.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the word to God in times like these
God gives wisdom freely to all who ask.
Are you asking God today for wisdom?
Or is your mind already made up through political prejudices and biases?
2. Encouraging positive dialogue and actions
In Ephesians 4:3, we are reminded, as Chritians to, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (KJV)
We all come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
However, our unity in Christ transcends political affiliations.
We must strive to engage in civil discourse,
respecting differing opinions while standing firm in our faith.
Our diversity should not divide us
but rather enrich our conversations and strengthen our witness to the world.
Let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ,
who calls us to love one another
B. Witnessing Through Actions
Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1. Being a light in the community
As the Lord reminds us in Matthew Five, are very existence is to be light of this world!
You can’t be a light when you’re constantly embarrassing and quenching the Holy Spirit with rhetoric that is divisive and hurtful
We strive to bring all of mankind to the kingdom of God
2. Demonstrating love and grace regardless of outcomes
Micah 6:8 (KJV) He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
As citizens, we are called to uphold justice and righteousness in every aspect of our lives, including our political engagement.
This means voting for candidates who reflect our values and advocating for policies that align with God’s heart.
We must also remember that our actions should reflect Christ’s love and mercy,
even towards those with whom we disagree.
QUOTE: "We crucify ourselves between 2 thieves: regret for yesterday, and fear of tomorrow."
- Fulton Oursler
Let not either one be your concern.
God is in control!
Conclusion:
So, As we navigate the complexities of elections and political discourse,
let us commit ourselves to maintaining our Christian integrity.
We are called to be accountable, to seek unity in diversity,
and to pursue righteousness in all that we do.
Regardless of the outcome of any election,
our ethical standards must remain unwavering.
We need to thank God for the gift of citizenship and the privilege to participate in our democratic process.
I ask God to Help us to uphold integrity in all that we do.
May we be accountable to God and one another,
seeking unity amidst diversity and pursuing righteousness in our actions.
I ask God to Guide us through this election season with God’s wisdom and peace,
In Jesus’ name!
