Christians and politics

Today Canadians go to the polls to vote on their next parliament. I have a party that I hopes wins and that I think is best for the country. In three weeks, Americans go to the polls to vote on members of congress and their next President. Over the last week, I have spoken with Americans and Canadians who are very worried about the results of their elections. They have prayed; they have studied; they have reflected. They have done everything one could ask of responsible citizens.

Recently one gentleman's words caught my attention. He said, "What are we going to do after this election?" I thought about his words. It was unclear exactly who he meant as "we." Because he was a Christian, I will assume he meant, "What will Christians do after the next election?" If that's the case, then my answer to him is simple, "Christians will continue to live godly lives, proclaiming there is only one eternal King, and working for the good of the people around whom they live." The reason Christians will continue to do that is because followers of Jesus and followers of Yahweh who were in exile have done that for thousands of years and, quite possibly, will do that for thousands more.

The election that matters most--those whom God has chosen in King Jesus--has already taken place and we have received our marching orders from him, regardless of who presides over whichever country. But this doesn't mean that other elections--like Canadian and American ones--don't matter. As God, through Jeremiah, urged his fellow Jews in exile, "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.... Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I carried you into exile" (29:5-7). Vote for the people you think can play a role in bringing peace and prosperity to you, your neighbors, and the world. But always remember there is only one prince of peace and only one kingdom that is eternal.