Before the church takes a victory lap may I suggest that we put on sackcloth instead? Some may say that God is pleased with the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, but I’m obliged to share what I believe He isn’t pleased with, and that’s how we as the church conducted ourselves during not only this election, but every election.
Since when is the church called to place their hope in horses and chariots?
Since when did the church adopt an attitude that the end justifies the means?
I’ve seen people divided and stirring up division. I’ve seen people condemned for their political views. I’ve seen people pressured to endorse a specific party, and I’ve seen pulpits used as sounding boards for politics.
Q. Well, we have to preach about what’s relevant right?
A. Wrong! Preaching the gospel is always relevant. Pointing people to Jesus is teaching them how to navigate current events. Jesus will always be the main ingredient for EVERY recipe no matter what’s on the menu.
Our error as the church isn’t standing for holiness and encouraging believers to vote as citizens of Heaven. Our error isn’t informing people of policies so that they can make educated and informed decisions.
No, our error is taking our eyes off of what’s above and placing them on what’s below. Our error is preaching our views instead of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our error is allowing pride and idolatry to take root in our hearts.
If we as the church focused more on preaching the gospel we would know that it ultimately doesn’t matter what’s legal or illegal to hearts that are surrendered to Christ. Does this mean we should ignore our call to be the salt and light of the earth? Negative! Does this mean we should be indifferent towards the agenda of satan? Of course not! But instead of giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s, we’ve given Caesar what belongs to God too.
How long will we move the goalpost and become surprised when people don’t know the way to victory? How much longer will it take for us to understand that we can’t work our way into God’s rest? When will we realize that our only mission is to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? A truth that hasn’t changed in 2000 years!
So can we embrace unity without uniformity? Can we put down the shears and trust the pruning to the Vinedresser? Can we unclog our ears and close our mouths long enough to hear God speaking through one another? Can we accept that we may disagree on the what as long as we agree on the Who?
Selah.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, forgive us for preaching politics instead of preaching the gospel. We repent for placing our hope in the systems of this world. Cleanse us of all pride and idolatry and help us to walk in humility. Show us how to love and to be at peace with one another. Guide us as we seek Your Kingdom that You may be glorified. We step aside so that Your will may be done. Have mercy on our nation and may your grace be with us in the coming days. In Jesus name. Amen.
Wonderful!!