Our Biggest Danger as Christians in this Election Year
Election Year
We here in the States find ourselves in the throes of another presidential election year. Things are really getting nasty now, and they’re going to get a whole lot nastier.
During these days of presidential anxiety, we are going to be bombarded with hate language from all walks of society: the politicians, media, we run-of-the-mill folks, and especially we consumers of social media. Sadly, the rhetoric and slimy mudslinging are going to get fierce, thick, and ugly.
But as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we should not be a part of any of this. Whether the president remains the same or a new one wins the battle in November, we are not to take part in the bitterness assailing our country. Instead, there is one towering and primary thing we need to continue focusing on: the Word of God.
In the New Testament, God has given His children multiple guidelines and commands regarding how we should conduct ourselves. And you know what? These guidelines and commands are still in force; they have not been rescinded. In good times, bad times, and nasty times, we are to obey God and do as He tells us.
In fact, in these treacherous days, the biggest danger facing Christians is not who the president of the U.S. is, but something much closer to our hearts: failing to act as Christians.
Guidelines and Commands
Philippians 1:27 is a major “go-to” verse for me: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” No need to elaborate, but I direct your attention to the first two words: WHATEVER HAPPENS! We are indeed living in “whatever happens” days.
As Christians living in these “whatever happens” days, what are some of the guidelines and commands God expects us to continue practicing? Here are a few; how are you doing with them?
- Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
- Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- Colossians 3:1: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
- Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything …”
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
- Matthew 6:31-32: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
What to Focus On
The above passages are not intended as chastisement as you strive to navigate the current political viciousness.
Rather, I offer them as a point of focus. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Word should be our focus.Despite everything going on around us, we are to strive to remain steadfast in glorifying, honoring, and obeying our Heavenly Father.
God’s guidelines and commands were never intended to be heeded solely in good times or times when we seem to be getting just about everything we want, but at all times regardless of circumstances.
In other words, if things were to get really bad, despite who our nation’s leaders are, I hope believers will not be among those who downgrade and verbally shred those who don’t see things the way we do. We may disagree with their choices and preferences, but we must remember that Christ died for their sins as well as ours.
We are to “value others above ourselves” and “not be anxious about anything.”
Is this going to be easy? Not on your life! But this is what God expects of us. And what He expects of us is precisely stated in the Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Succumbing to the political poison and negativity is not the biggest danger facing Christians; failing to act as children of the King is.
May God give us the grace we so need in these trying days as we strive to conduct ourselves as worthy Christians!
David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since.David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website.
Well said, David! Well said!