COMPositions 3

As I write this article, we still don’t know who has won the 2020 presidential election, or which party will control the Senate. Nor do we know if the results will be challenged in what has turned out to be an exceedingly close election. Like many of you, I have plenty of questions about all we have witnessed and are experiencing.

Add to this all of the angst over the ever-changing protocols associated with the COVID 19 pandemic and the social unrest taking place in many cities across our nation, and you have recipe for distress and division, the likes of which we have never seen in America.

With all this confusion and uncertainty, it is not likely the national divide will be healed or the hostilities will end once the election is over or the pandemic has passed. So how should Christians respond in these chaotic times? Will we be filled with despair and respond harshly to those who see things differently? Will we passively accept the majority rules even when it goes against the clear teaching of Scripture?

I believe the words the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christ followers living in Philippi (Philippians 4: 6-7) provide an important reminder and timely challenge: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Once this election has been decided, we Christ followers must remember and learn to balance two Bible passages which are clear and complimentary:

1 Peter 2:13-15 which reads, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.   For it is God’s will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”

Acts 5:29 which reads, “But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’”

Followers of Jesus Christ should be submissive to those in authority, as long as we are not required to go contrary to Scripture.  We shouldn’t pout, ridicule, undermine, pillage, or rebel against the elected politicians. But when they propose or advocate for things which clearly contradict the Bible, which is the Word of God, we must stand up and speak out; always in love and if necessary, with our lives!

Brothers & sisters we must understand and remember, regardless of the outcome of any election or the impact of any pandemic, God is sovereign. His ultimate will is going to be fulfilled. Read the Apostle John’s vison recorded in Revelation 21:1-5 and let’s be confident in your faith and courageous in our witness!

Blest to bless,
Greg