Like you, I have my views about what candidate(s), especially in the presidential election, will do the best job for our country, or at least do the least harm to our country. We’re all concerned about the economy, inflation, national security, border security….
But what really matters? What should our real concern be as Christians. I think the apostle Paul put it in perspective in his first letter to Timothy:
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties, prayers, petitions,
thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men,
the Man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all,
the testimony at the proper time.
It’s about the fact that there is one God who sent the Living Word, the Word made flesh, to express His love for us in reconciling man to Himself. It is about the truth of the Gospel, the proclamation of Good News: God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
That should obviously be our top priority as Christians as well. What does it take for that to happen? Does it take a specific political party being in power? Does it take a specific person in the White House? Does it even take a democratic republic? Paul was writing at a time when his part of the world was controlled by a dictatorial government out of Rome. It was a government that even at times persecuted Christians. Was there hope for a change? Was there an upcoming election whereby the people could vote out the emperor and put someone in power who was more concerned about their favorite political issues? That was not even an option! Did Paul say pray for a change in government? Did he say pray for new leaders to take office? Nope!
The change that he advocated was that men would truly put their faith in God and ask Him to affect those in leadership so that in whatever they would do, they would rule in such a way that God’s people could live in tranquility and dignity and share their faith and the Truth without the direct or indirect interference of those in authority.
Nothing else really matters. Government can be a democracy, a republic, parliamentary, an authoritarian dictatorship. It can be fair, just, and moral, or it can be corrupt and hypocritical. Just let us live in peace and turn the world upside down as we faithfully and steadfastly follow the leadership of our one True King and share our faith, building His kingdom.
That’s how we should pray, and perhaps even how we should vote. That being said, if you feel led to pray about specific issues and situations and events, pray! However, the goal of your prayers and the sought-for outcome is not that America be a better country, or even a “Christian country” (at least not at the political level). What matters is His Kingdom, and that our country and its leaders would not do stupid at a level that causes us trouble and keeps us from being faithful to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Let that guide your voting as well. Rather than voting based on emotions, rhetoric, or even political or social issues, maybe our focus should be: “what candidate is most likely to do things that will make our lives quieter and more tranquil, and make it easier for us to live in godliness and respectability?”
