As we move into the homestretch of this political season with a pandemic, an open seat on the Supreme Court, impending debates, and a year of rioting, no doubt a fatigue begins to settle in on all of us. In fact, the word fatigue may not capture it completely. For some, worry may be the issue. For others, they may be struggling with pure anxiety. Nationwide – there is an unsettledness in the air and potentially in our soul.
As followers of Christ, what do we do? How do we respond? How do we prepare ourselves for the days ahead?
Keep First Things First
The Apostle Peter helps us keep things in order as he writes to people who were experiencing a hot mess. The issues were different; however, the world was a hostile place. No doubt, the year 2020 seems hostile. He writes:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Allow me to highlight some key terms and thoughts.
Sojourners and Pilgrims
We live in America as Americans. Our citizenship brings with it a stewardship of our vote. Our current or future children and grandchildren force us to handle this time well. We each have a stewardship of one vote among millions, yet it is our role and responsibility. No one else can vote for us.
However, even as American citizens, we vote as sojourners and pilgrims. Our heavenly citizenship matters more. As important as America is and our citizenship here matters, our citizenship in heaven matters more. Our great allegiance is to Jesus Christ and the cross. Our greater stewardship centers around Jesus, His church, and our service to Him.
Simply put – this is just an election for which we are responsible for just one simple vote. What is of greater and more significance consequence is our citizenship in heaven. Our heavenly citizenship supersedes this one election and weighs heavier on our conscience.
Warning: Abstain from Fleshly Lusts
Peter challenges us to abstain from fleshly lusts. This is the first of two commands he gives; this one negative and the next positive. You could think of this as put off and put on. We put off living by our lusts.
In this election season there may be many things that you want, desire, and for which you hope. Me too. In our wanting, desiring, and hoping, we must keep these desires in check. We live with greater priorities than those attached to the election. Instead, we choose to keep our hearts in balance. Although we may desire certain outcomes in this election season, those desires cannot rule us.
Conduct Honorable among the Gentiles
Peter now deals with the positive side of our responsibility as followers of Christ. We put off being ruled by our lust and put on living honorably among those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ.
Living honorably simply means that we live as Christ. We live worthy of the Gospel. In all our doings, we choose to live in a way that honors the Lord. As we respond to the various pressures and happenings in this election season, we respond as Christians who loyally follow Christ first and whose citizenship is in heaven, not as those who only live for the here-and-now.
Life is not about politics. As followers of Christ, life includes a much bigger space than this moment in time. As such, we live with this greater ideal in mind.
Do you think in an election season there may be times we live for something different than Christ and the Gospel? Absolutely, if we are not careful.
Therefore, we must keep our focus on living honorably. Whatever we say at work, at home, at church, on social media, or wherever, we must say as loyal followers of Christ who desire to live honorable among those who do not have a relationship with Christ.
By Your Good Works Glorify God
Possibly this election season creates the perfect opportunity for us to image Christ to those around us. It may be this season where our resolve to follow Christ, trust God’s sovereignty, respond to His providential care, and walk by faith reveals the kind of testimony that others around you observe for the glory of God.
The hope is that your response to a hostile world – even toward Christians and maybe toward you – produces a proof-positive example of the Gospel, Jesus, true life change, and biblical hope. As you engage the elements of this election season, your response should speak clearly before you ever use any words. Those who do not have a relationship with God – even if they in fact are your political enemy perhaps – should see and hear you honor God in everything. No matter what that is.
Why? Because your response to these days and events should be so clearly impacted by Christ that those watching should see Him in it.
Our hope is that when we get to Heaven someone may say, “It was your testimony, your response, your honorable actions that made me consider what you had that I did not.” What is that thing? A relationship with Jesus Christ. In our responses we point people to Christ, not away from Him.
Go All In for Jesus not Politics
- Where should your mind be?
- What should you reflect most?
- How should you respond to the daily news cycle?
- What should really be on your mind?
All these questions point back to Jesus Christ. Our focus should be on our heavenly citizenship where God reigns, God is in control, and God is trustworthy. We recognize that nothing here threatens that. Instead, we respond to all the craziness of this season as followers of Christ first, neighbors second, and citizens third.
May God grant us wisdom to do just this.
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KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
