Our Primary Citizenship
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
Most of us became citizens of our nation by birth, through no choice of our own. By responding to God’s command to repent and be converted we became citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, we submit to Jesus as king of our lives and put his kingdom first. Although we hold this dual citizenship, it can create tensions in us, as we seek to be responsible citizens of our nation even though we are not of this world.[i] This is especially true in an election year. And yet our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven is clearly foremost and eternal and defines the core of our identity, while the other is temporary. With this in mind, we can exercise wise discernment as pilgrims and strangers not only in this country but in this world.
When we think about the issues at stake in an election, our emotions can run high. Some of the recent changes in the society around us can cause distress and we may long for a leader to set things right. After all, Proverbs tells us that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…,”[ii] but we must remember to “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”[iii]
So how should we act during a contentious election season?
Promote Unity
As brothers and sisters of Christ, we strive to be one body, loving and esteeming one another more highly than ourselves.[iv] Forcefully debating political issues is not conducive to keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.[v] Dialogue, whether in-person, printed, or posted to social media, should be respectful. We should seek to understand the other person’s perspective, even to the point of being able to express their views and rationale in a way they respect. We should examine our own thoughts, motives, and actions. We should reflect on what is causing us to think and act this way about a particular issue. Is it coming from a position of fear in a crumbling temporal society, or from confidence in an almighty, eternal God?
Our communities are looking up to us to set an example of unity, respect, and love during stressful times. The witness of our love – despite our differences – shows all men that we are Christ’s disciples and encourages them to want to know more.[vi]
Pray
Who doesn’t want to enjoy a quiet and peaceable life? Timothy exhorts us to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for those in authority. This is good in the sight of God[vii] and can bring about positive changes in our nation as God works in ways we don’t fully understand, through the rulers he has established.[viii]
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Be Informed
Voting is a privilege, and in our time and place, we are thankful to have the opportunity to participate in electing a representative government. Voting can be a way of loving our neighbor if the result leads to a more righteous and just society. For that to happen, we must make informed choices on positions and candidates. Seek out reliable sources of information, understanding that most information sources speak from a particular perspective, and some are purposefully deceptive. We should read and embrace God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern the issues.[ix] We can get advice from respected members of our church.[x] The biblical teaching on some issues will be clear (e.g., marriage, abortion, gender fluidity). However, many other issues are not so clear and require application of biblical principles and thoughtful consideration of a policy’s consequences. In these situations, we must be careful about asserting our choice as the clear Christian position as though God and all believers must align with our thinking.
As we consider candidates and their proposals for government, let’s bear in mind some values that God cares about and consider whether candidates exhibit these characteristics:
· Truth[xi]
· Personal virtue[xii]
· Order; not chaos[xiii]
· Resist evil; praise those who do right[xiv]
· Compassion for the vulnerable (poor, widows, fatherless, foreigners, helpless)[xv]
· Fair creation and just implementation of laws[xvi]
· A servant heart[xvii]
If our primary identity is in Christ, we understand that no political party or candidate is aligned with the Bible, let alone our preferences, on all of the issues. There is no perfect candidate or party; there is no perfect voter. Only Christ is perfect.[xviii] God can and does work through both good and corrupt leaders to accomplish his purposes.[xix] [xx]
Dealing with the results
Whatever the result of an election, remember that it won’t catch God off guard or make him unsettled. We may be pleased; we may be disappointed. But an election result in an earthly nation will not make us overly ecstatic or deeply despondent if we remember that God is in control, and our true home is with the Lord.
If things go your way, be gracious to those on the losing side. If things go against you, remember that we are still called to submit to governmental authority for the Lord’s sake.[xxi] And in all cases, remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and we can trust that he will bring to pass whatever is needful to achieve his kingdom’s purposes. May God give us grace to live out our calling this election year as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, anchored in Jesus, seeking to display his love and truth to others. The greatest testimony of faith in a living God is to love him with our whole being and to love our neighbor – all people – as ourself. Such an example of faith and peace can wield far more lasting influence than our vote, on this world and the next.
