EXPOSE | Demonstrate Not How To Vote, But How To Live
“Regardless of where you fall on the scale of interest [in the election], the most important question is how Christians should conduct themselves during this election season. The world is watching God’s people, not just for how they vote, but for how they act both online and in conversations with family and friends.” – Daniel Darling
EXPLORE | What’s Good For The Goose…
So, how you holding up? Ads, debates, polls, co-workers. If only the election were tomorrow. Well, we can’t let our little hearts be troubled. If for no other reason than the opportunity set before us. I’m not talking the privilege we have to vote, but how we choose to ‘endure’ the election cycle. And if it is an opportunity, we probably shouldn’t be looking to just endure it.
The world is watching. Not just to see who will be elected our next president, but how we get there. The character we demand to see in our candidates should be no different than the character qualities we demand of ourselves.
EXECUTE | Consider Yourself a Demonstrator
I live near a big city, and our enjoyment of demonstrations are not just limited to the political. Just about every polarizing issue or topic has a rally or a parade. However, there is one instance where being a demonstrator is welcomed by all. There are several ways we can handle this election season and ‘demonstrate’ not just class, but real answers to desperate needs.
Demonstrate responsibility.
Is not voting an option? As much as some candidates may give us good reason, we have been given a great opportunity through our constitution, not to mention our call to support government for there to be justification to do otherwise.
“A George Barna survey revealed that in the 2012 presidential election 12 million evangelical Christians were not registered to vote and another 26 million did not vote – making a total of 38 million evangelicals out of an estimated 89 million who did not vote, or 40% of the body of Christ.” – Article: “Will this election cause rejoicing or more groaning“
What do we really accomplish by not voting?
Demonstrate where we are to place our hope.
Where are we to place our hope? Not people. Not governments.
“Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future; it expects it to happen. And it not only expects it to happen; it is confident that it will happen. There is a moral certainty that the good we expect and desire will be done.” – John Piper, What is Hope?
There is only one place we can find that is worthy of that expectation: God.
Demonstrate how to handle disagreements.
We are called to peace. And if there is ever a need for calmer, cooler heads to rule the day, this is it.
“We need not all agree, but if we disagree, let us not be disagreeable in our disagreements.” – M. R. DeHaan
Be a peacemaker… quick to listen, slow to speak.
Demonstrate how to get things done.
With politics, as it is with religion, it probably is too easy to let our frustration and sense of morality drive our actions.
“Not by strength, not by might… Jesus didn’t pursue political power, nor should we. You don’t need your “side” to win in order to advance the Kingdom of God, because it doesn’t work that way. Taking control of the government isn’t how we as Jesus followers are called to do our jobs: we’re called to be servants who are busy making the world a better place right where we are.” – Article: “5 things Christians should remember this election cycle“
Let grace lead. Let God control the outcome.
Demonstrate selflessness.
Will we vote for a better world, or just a better life?
“The economy is of course an important factor of governance – but as Christians we should be vigilant to make sure that when we cast our vote we are as concerned about the welfare of others as we are for our own.” – “5 questions every Christian voter should ask this election“
I get riled up a bit every time I see one of those ‘co-exist’ bumper stickers. In order to more than just get along, it will require humility.
That the facts are important. How we express our views will go a long way toward others seeing that you apply wisdom in all things, including voting season.
Win or lose, it is how we play the game.
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Further reading:
Does God expect Christians to vote
5 things Christians should remember this election cycle
5 questions every Christian voter should ask this election
Thinking as Christians in an election year
How Christians should engage the election
