American elections are on the horizon. This particular round is predicted to be among the most consequential of all time; on the other hand, the previous presidential election was similarly characterized, as were the past several before that. While not technically an inaccurate assessment in any of those instances, the implication of emphasis elevates the dealings of man as the more relevant factor in the fate of the world. A follower of Christ should know better: The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19); He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. (Daniel 2:21) If we know God as truly sovereign, we cannot consistently interpret the state of the world according to our own agency. Yet this is the prevalent mindset throughout the world today.
American society revolves around the right of agency, the ability of the individual to influence the policies of his governance by proxy representation chosen by him and his peers. This sentiment is not directly reflected in Scripture, which advocates for the respecting of God’s authority in all things; we apply this principle to whatever style of governance we are placed under, according to His providence. The privilege of voting is both a blessing and responsibility; to forgo it as such may be argued as scornful toward God, who has in the former granted and in the latter lade it to whom He pleases. Nonetheless, one may feel convicted otherwise; when Scripture is not explicit upon a matter, it must be considered negotiable, lest it become a source of division.
For many Americans, the choice of representation is limited between two options according to the major organizations of political power. The origin of this dilemma is a subject to itself, but suffice to recognize it as a self-perpetuating problem; as a major division of the populace allies itself with one side, those opposed band behind the other as their supposed sole hope of overcoming. Those who refuse to participate on these terms are often villainized by both pluralities for potentially skewing the balance. Of course, this interpretation must exclude God’s sovereignty from the equation, presuming the outcome to be purely the result of mankind’s efforts and beyond the influence of the Divine Will. True wisdom would rather dictate one to vote according to the good pleasure of Christ, as part of his testimony thereto. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)
You will act based upon the foundation of your worldview; how you prioritize reveals much about what you truly believe. For me, God must come first in everything: every decision, every preference, every activity, every motivation. He cannot be excluded from anything, for He is sovereign over all. Should I fail to acknowledge Him, I only handicap myself in the situation, for His will remains with or without acknowledgement. By harkening to it, I have all to gain, for His wisdom is infinite, and nothing He intends can fail. Therefore I will vote and live according to His Word, and be content in the knowledge that whatever happens, He will prevail.
Be brave. TTT