HOPE FOR THE HOME: The election – the aftermath

Husband and Wife: “The recent midterm elections have left us feeling discouraged and uncertain about the direction of our country. As parents of three children, we are more concerned than ever about their future. Any suggestions?”

The election reports indicate that evangelical turnout in several key states was lower than in previous elections. In other words, millions of Christians simply did not vote. Silence is never golden. The results were not what millions of Americans wanted, but they were precisely what we needed. For those who have ears to hear listen to Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” This principle applies to the choices of individuals and nations alike. Pastor Josh Howerton, a friend of our son Drew, stated about the election, “Politics cannot fix what politics did not break.” This is so true. I have said for years that when leaders in our churches decided the Scriptures were no longer relevant; they began welcoming the culture without seeking to transform it. As a result, numerous pastors and churches across America have adopted the morals, standards, and values of our culture. A conversation I had with the pastor of a large, contemporary church illustrates this point. He said, “I want my people to feel approved, affirmed, and applauded when they leave.” I asked, “What about leaving confronted by truth, having confessed their sins, and feeling cleansed?” He offered no reply.

In my view, the recent election reflects the choices of millions who favored abandonment over accountability, convenience over conviction, desertion over devotion, and opportunity over obligation. I agree with Nick Freitas, who recently said, “We are essentially in a war of diametrically opposed views.” The divide between these opposing views is clear. Christians are not called to call good evil and evil good. We are called to call out evil. On one side stand those who will not tolerate evil, accept evil, accommodate evil, nor celebrate evil. In my opinion, on the other side stand those who vote to support the death of the unborn, the mutilation of gender confused children, the indoctrination of school children, the termination of our Constitution, the disarming of citizens, the disbanding of police agencies, and the release of hardened criminals.

However, we must remember that our identity as born-again Christians is not defined by either the Republican or Democratic Party. Remember what God said to Samuel, “And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king,” ( I Samuel 8:7). There is only one ruler of the universe, only one King over all the earth, and only one God who reigns over the nations. I encourage you to read and meditate on Psalm 47. This puts our current situation in perfect perspective.   

Ever wonder how a nation could fade away into history books without an enemy throwing a spear, shooting an arrow, firing a shot, or launching a nuclear warhead? Romans 1:21-22, has the answer, “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” When men and women with futile thoughts and foolish hearts rise to power darkness fills the land regardless of their political affiliation. There is indeed an all-out frontal assault on the morals, ethics, principles, and teachings of Holy Scripture in America. Our faith puts us on the front lines of the battle for our present and future generations. Therefore, we must arm ourselves for the fight with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer. II Chronicles 20:15. Reminds us “for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” And the Apostle Paul gives us these words for such a time as this, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong,” I Corinthians 16:13. [End]