By Clifford Cartwright
This is my Father’s world,
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the ruler yet.
I was called to a meeting last Monday night in a city that was a two hour drive from my home. I had planned on watching the first presidential debate, or at least have it on the television in the background as I engaged in other evening activities. But, I found myself, mostly out of curiosity, flipping my FM radio from one NPR station to another on the drive home to hear from two people, one of whom will be the next President of the United States.
There is a lot of angst this election year. While some people are strongly in one candidate’s camp or the other’s, many people are not satisfied with either candidate and are looking for a third. There is no doubt that this is an important election. They all are. And for good reason, there are many strong feelings about this particular election.
But what exactly are the consequences of the outcome of this election? Whatever the outcome, it is neither the hope of our nation nor the end of it. It is God who is the ruler of all. No one person is near capable of bringing about total utopia or destruction. Only Jesus is big enough to do that.
The election is important. But it is equally important for followers of Jesus to engage and live out a Christ like life in accordance with the biblical narrative. Be a good citizen of the United States, but be a good citizen in obedience to the commands of Jesus. In this way, you can have more impact in our nation and the lives of others than you can by supporting any particular candidate.
Love your neighbor. Do you know them? Go meet them! Throw a block party!
Do good to those who persecute you. That person you like the least at work, find a way to be helpful and work well with them!
Rejoice always. Stop complaining so much! There is so much good in God’s creation, including your circumstances. Learn to look for goodness and rejoice when you see it!
Take every thought captive. Are you thinking about things that are pure, true, noble, lovely? Are you being a person who brings out these thoughts and actions in others?
Store treasures in heaven. Do your activities at work, home, church and elsewhere bring about redemption, restoration, and reconciliation? The results of these activities will last.
There is no president who can bring about the hope and change that we all desire, no matter how intelligent and experienced they may be. As I said earlier, only Jesus is big enough to do that. And one day He will. Share this good news!
Come election day, vote your values. But, remember, God is our ruler. Jesus redeems and restores and He invites us to do the same. Whatever the outcome of the election, may we be salt and light, the church, the body of Christ wherever we live. Jesus is the only hope for our country and our world.
This is my Father’s world.
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring.
God reigns, let earth be glad!
