A Pastoral Concern -- The Election of a President

In less than a week, American voters will again elect government officials.  The most notable and important election will be that of our next president.

The sides of the two major parties are polarized more than any other time in my life.  Each side considers the other to be the one who would usher in the end of America as we know it.  Some even fear for the world.  And perhaps more than any other time in American history, people are more inclined to vote against a candidate rather than vote for one, hoping to avoid an evil rather than to promote good.

Let each Christian prayerfully consider whom he or she will vote for.  But if you would like my own pastoral advice regarding this election, here it is:

"Do not put your trust in princes; in mortal men who cannot save" (Psalm 146:3, NIV) -- the same as any election.

If your preferred candidate does not win the election, maybe that is just as well.  Then you can stop putting your faith in who the president is.  Then you can put your focus on Jesus, on his promises, and on his kingdom.  Then you can pray more fervently for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Then you can turn away from political speeches and promises and devote yourself to the promises of a Savior who does not lie and, when he speaks, he does not do it to pander to people.  

In other words, you can start to act like the Church, which is what you have been called to do to begin with.