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As many feared, the 2020 presidential election may not be decided for several days and perhaps not for some time. On the lighter side, one of my friends noted that 2020 is still 2020-ing. Like many Americans, my heart is still in my throat. We are all painfully aware that America’s social fabric is fraying; that we are more polarized than at any other time in our lifetimes; that politics has, in many ways, replaced religion; and that we are in for a long day and perhaps a long couple of weeks.
Some observers have warned of riots, division, and even succession. Though I think the last is a bit far-stretched, I am aware that peaceful elections and peaceful transfers of power are a novelty in political history and not the norm.
I spend a lot of time on this podcast talking about how to think about current events and what to do in light of those events. But I note that we are also spiritual and emotional beings. God created us that way, and we often act on our feelings rather than on our logic. Or, am I the only one with that problem? Probably not.
So, I feel like I did before an important basketball game or before an opening argument at a jury trial. There are butterflies, and we are about to witness a political drama of the highest order. Much is at stake, and history is being made before our very eyes. Is this the most important election of our lifetimes? I don’t know. But, it is an important election in our lifetime.
So, I simply want to encourage you today by (1) sharing some Scripture that can help focus our minds and hearts and (2) by pointing to 2050.
First, some key Biblical principles. God is the governor of the nations, sets up kings and removes them and is working all things according to His will (Ps. 22:28, Dan. 2:2; Eph. 1:11). With Him, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). So, we should rest in Him.
But, we should also look to 2050 for three reasons:
- 2050 is important because it gives perspective.
- 2050 is important because it forces us to focus on principles rather than personalities.
- 2050 is important it highlights our priority.
So, please, go vote and encourage others to do the same.
And be confident that, no matter the outcome, we have unfinished work to do, that we must stand unwavering by our principles and that we must focus on the priority of the Great Commission. With God’s help, we will not wring our hands or shake our fists. Rather, we will raise our hands in prayer. And, tomorrow, we will get back to work on the important tasks of spreading the gospel and renewing the American experiment.
I am trying to be confident.
One thing I don’t understand is the reference to 2050. Can you explain?
Thanks for your comment. The easiest way to explain is probably via the audio version of this post (can be played at the top of the post). I am encouraging Christians to take a long, strategic view of citizenship rather than becoming despondent over or overly relieved by the election results in 2020. I know 2050 sounds like a long way off, but focusing on the future can help keep things in perspective. I, of course, recognize the 2020 election as a key election; but, once we have cast our votes, we have done all we can for now. So, I am encouraging Christians to pray, think and plan about how we will impact our country moving forward.
Yes- I agree with Barb’s comment re: 2050 reference. I don’t get it. Asking us to focus on 30 years in the future doesn’t seem a realistic or beneficial task. Unless you’re in your mid forties or less- the likelihood of even being here on this earth is pretty slim. I seem to recall scripture advising us not to plan our future days and not to take thought for tomorrow. There is a famous Christian song “One Day at a Time” that makes the point pretty well. Dwelling on the many blessings we have from God here and now can help take some of the sting of this demoncrat fueled corrupt election and attempted government coup- away but not completely. God never promised an easy life on earth. In fact he said it would be difficult for us Christians- we would experience many trials. I don’t believe he said it would or should not have any impact on us- or that we should not stand up to the giants like David did. My hope is God will protect us, guide us, and gird us with strength for any battle he may ask us to play a role in for His name sake.
Thanks for your feedback. I tried to capture the gist of my podcast episode in the show notes, but the audio version is probably the best explanation of my post. Since you mentioned Scripture, I see a tension when it comes to planning. I know that we are not to boast of tomorrow and are to focus on doing everything we can in the present (James 4:13-17; Matt. 6:34). But Proverbs also speaks to the wisdom of planning for the future (Pro. 15:22; 21:5). So, I think we have to live in the tension of doing everything within our power in the present, planning for the future and leaving the results up to God. In my opinion, Christians (in contrast to individuals with more progressive worldviews) are somewhat shortsighted in their citizenship. Instead of focusing so much on individual elections, those that oppose Biblical principles have executed on a long-term, comprehensive plan to promote what they believe is true, good and beautiful. In sum, I did everything within my power over the last few months to impact this election, and I am not saying that Christians should just sit back and watch things happen. Rather, my hope is to encourage Christians to engage with the right mindset and a strategic plan, which I set out in a recent book linked below. Concerning age differences, every Christian (no matter their age) can impact 2050 by engaging now. I agree with you that we need to do everything we can in the present, but a solid plan and trust in God can help us in difficult seasons. https://www.amazon.com/Good-Citizen-Four-Step-Gospel-Centered-Citizenship/dp/0578776316/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4LBXEDAUCESB&dchild=1&keywords=the+good+citizen+josh+hershberger&qid=1604853084&sprefix=the+good+citizen+josh%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1. Thanks again fro your thoughts.
Sorry Josh,
Your comment and belief: “those that oppose Biblical principles have executed on a long-term, comprehensive plan to promote what they believe is true, good and beautiful.” Shows your naivety and perhaps lack of experience interacting with real demoncrats (liberals) and those outside your rather one sided bubble. Preaching to the choir is not gaining experience and insights to how these people operating under satan and his minions direction really think and operate. You must know and understand your enemy- and no they don’t believe and work towards an end result of “true, good, and beautiful.” They want chaos, fighting, good people (in particular Christians) to suffer, and those who work hard to hand over their harvest to them! They want the likes of AOC, Bernie Sanders, Schumer and worse to rule , and their blatantly sinful heroes like LeBron James, Lady Gaga, and The Kardashians to entertain, celebrate, and encourage their wretched lifestyles with them. I do agree they plot and plan way in advance for their schemes to come to fruition. Just look at our education system and how it after them ruining it over the course of many years has finally seen their de-education and proganda pay off in huge numbers of voting age degenerates who will cheat, steal, and riot for their masters to illegally take over our election process! In my humble opinion we need to take a tough and realistic stance against this evil! God had His people fight when evil confronted them many times. I think this is such a time!