Election Day!

What do your pastors want to say to you on election day?

Here are a few recommendations:

1) Do your research. And remember that the presidential election is only one of many significant choices you’re asked to participate in. (You can find what will be on your neighborhood’s ballot by Googling “my ballot” and then entering your address when prompted, or by visiting the Ballotopedia website. This can help you prepare for those awkward situations when you are asked to vote between state or local candidates you’ve never even heard of!)

2) Pray. Traveling to the election booth is a great time to pray for true wisdom, humility, and justice to be prized among “all who are in high positions” (1 Tim. 2:1ff.)

3) Be prepared to walk forward with both faith and faithfulness. As Peter said to people who lived in the Roman empire (under some pretty terrible leaders!): “Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Pet. 2:17). Our God sovereignly “removes kings and sets up kings” (Dan. 2:21). At the end of election day, we will know the name of our president elect, and many Americans will be unhappy (whichever candidate wins). Christ-followers will shine like stars in our generation not by being known for our grumpiness (Phil. 2:14-15), but rather by fearing God above all, and peacefully serving for the good of our locale (Jer. 29:7). This happens best when we understand that we are God’s “elect exiles” (1 Pet. 1:1), and that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20).