Another election is upon us, and it feels like all Hades has broken loose. Some people, even Christians, seem like they are near panic. And it’s no wonder, when the rhetoric on both sides is essentially making the case that our democracy is over if the other side wins.
I suggest we take a deep breath and lift our eyes for a minute. Sunday, November 3rd is All Saints Sunday. On All Saints we remember and honor those faithful servants who have gone into eternity ahead of us. One day we will be among them, remembered by our children and grandchildren. All Saints reminds us that what is most important isn’t whether or not our candidate for President wins, but if we persevered in the faith.
The mission of the Church has always been the words of Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). That doesn’t suddenly change the day after an election. In fact it has never changed, nor will it until Christ returns! The saints who have gone before have been faithful under authoritarian regimes, severe theocracies, communist parties, and even when there has been no functioning government at all. We must do the same in our own place and time.
This is not to say elections don’t matter or don’t have consequences for Christians—they absolutely do. And we should vote, and apply our Christian values when we do. But we should not allow our priorities to get off track. Our first loyalty is to Christ. We dare not get that wrong.
