Initial Reflections on the Elections
Part 1
Jefrey Breshears
I know that many Christians are disheartened and apprehensive as a result of yesterday’s election. The final count is still undecided, and we should pray for a fair and honest counting of all legal votes in states such as Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Realistically, the prospects right now are not particularly encouraging, although considering the possibility of significant levels of voter fraud, there is certainly the possibility that the election will ultimately be decided by lawyers and courts.
American Christians have been uniquely blessed and uniquely privileged for the past 240+ years. We understand that all manmade systems, including all nation-states, eventually degenerate and collapse due to internal corruption and apathy – or else they are violently conquered by rival states – and it sometimes constitutes a terrible blow to civilization in general. But be assured that God always preserves a remnant of faithful followers, as he will continue to do regardless of America’s fate.
Nevertheless, the potential consequences of this election are alarmingly if in fact the secular/socialist Democrats prevail. Their agenda is demonstrably and unapologetically immoral, irrational, impractical, irresponsible, and indefensible. No thoughtful Christian could possibly support it. Furthermore, let us not minimize the effects and the repercussions if the Democrats control our government. But we also should be reminded that ultimately what matters is the Kingdom of God in heaven and on earth, not the fate of the United States of America.
As C. S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, what matters most are the souls of human beings, not the survival of nation-states. In his words:
If individuals lived only 70 years or so, then a nation or a civilization is more important than the individual, for it could last a thousand years…. But if Christianity is true, then the individual is not only more important but incomparably more important, for he is everlasting.
Perhaps we should also integrate into our daily devotional this thought from Lewis: “My hope is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am [finally] out of the fight.” But until then, we must be very much in the fight and fully engaged. If we truly love others as we love ourselves, we cannot forfeit the fight. The fact that so many Christians – and so many Christian “leaders” – sat out this election either out of ignorance, cowardice, or because President Trump didn’t measure up to their pietistic standards should always be a reminder of the consequences when Christians are uninformed and unengaged.
As Christians, we are going to need to reassess our position and our calling in society. We are not – nor were we ever – a “moral majority” in American society. (This is, after all, the nation that elected Barack Obama not just once but twice.) But now it is all the more necessary to understand our mission and to act in accord with what the true church of Jesus Christ has always been down through the ages: a radical counterculture in the midst of a world system that craves power, wealth, status and pleasure.
The secular Left wants us to “rethink” policing just as it wants to redefine truth and justice and morality. Considering the quality of leadership in many churches that we have witnessed over the past several months, perhaps it’s time that we “rethink” church!
Scripture has much to say about our current situation:
- “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows [just as a nation reaps what it sows!]…. Let us not become weary in doing good, for… we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we [still] have opportunity, let us do good to all people [and encourage] all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. [Gal. 6:7ff].
- “Be very careful… how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” [Eph. 5:15]
- “This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ….
- “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ….
- “Rejoice in the Lord always… Let your gentleness be evident to all… Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, by thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is [good], whatever is pure, whatever is [beautiful]… [ruminate and meditate] on such things….. And the God of peace will be with you.” [Phil. 1: 9-10, 27; 4:5-9]
Regardless of whether we live in a society and culture that is Christ-friendly or one that is venomously hostile, our calling is the same:
- “You are the light of the world… [L]et your light shine before others that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” [Matt. 5:14, 16]
