I have to admit, this is one time I’m a bit concerned about the outcome of an election.
And it’s not because of who might win or who might lose.
I’m concerned about the lasting impact this election could have on the church; specifically, on individual Christians.
- I’m afraid the fear will last. Many Christians are acting on fear when they think about voting. Fear that the wrong candidate will win. Fear of economic problems. Fear of foreigners. Fear of cultural change.
- I’m afraid Christians will believe that power and influence are the way to change our world, rather than following the lead of the Lamb.
- I’m afraid Christians will put their hope in the winner. Too many feel that politicians can fix what’s wrong with this country. Too many think that participating in politics or not participating in politics will determine the moral course of this nation.
- I’m afraid Christians will believe the talk of American exceptionalism, identifying more with a country of this world than with the Kingdom of heaven.
- I’m afraid Christians will identify more with those in power than the marginalized. I’m afraid we’ll forget that we are immigrants and foreigners, not full-fledged citizens.
- I’m afraid the violence and hatred, fighting and division will bleed over into the church.
Christians need to be sure that the Kingdom shapes their politics and not vice versa. No matter who gets elected in November. I don’t care who wins. I just don’t want Christians to lose their identity.
Michael Whitworth caught some flak for writing a comparable article the other day
Beware the Condemned Candidate
But I am afraid. I am very afraid. I live daily without healthcare access and insurance. Don’t be afraid, you say? This world is not my home, you say? Yes, I get that. I get it in spades. Preach it and try to live it. But getting that doesn’t make a sick family member better. Getting that doesn’t take away the hurt of not being able to take care of your family. This is a little to much like “be warm and well fed.”
I’m sorry, Les, for what you’re going through. I’m sorry that fear has become such a big part of your life.
I hope you’ll take the time to read this post again. I evidently didn’t communicate well. I think that we both agree that no candidate can provide what the people of this country really need. Even someone in your situation, if they had perfect health care tomorrow and didn’t have Jesus, they would still be in desperate need.
And the things that I point to, the fear and strife and xenophobia… none of those things are things that we want for the church. And yes, I believe that a major problem in the church is that we don’t know where we’re really from. I’m glad you get it; the vast majority of Christians in the United States don’t.
I’m sorry that you live in fear. I don’t think that’s healthy. I don’t think that’s where God wants you to be. And I’m very sorry that you feel that I’m saying “be warmed and filled” to you; that’s by no means my intention.
Tim, I didn’t take your post personally. I am weary of those who keep telling us to not fear. When in fact, the government has powerful ways of causing fear to be valid. Blessings to you and yours!