Ridgell's Originals

One of the problems in reaching people in our culture is the fact that many people think God's people are closely identified with one or the other political parties.

So...

You do not have to be a Republican to belong to the church.

You do not have to be a Democrat to follow Jesus.

We all reflexively nod our agreement here and then go right on confusing people.

Here is how we do it.

Celebrate loudly in God's name when your candidate wins.  Some of you were seriously scaring our kids before the election.  If I am not a Republican, I would really wonder about the celebrations many Christians had after the election.  So now everything is wonderful in our world?

Moan and groan and weep and wail over the fact that your candidate lost.  You are scaring our kids after the election.  If I am not a Democrat, I might really be confused about the despair shown by many Christians after the election.  Who do we really trust and believe in?

You may think I should not even talk about this because I do not vote.  Then stop reading.  I do not vote because I belong to a different kingdom.  Mine was here way before the United States and will be here way after.  I have one allegiance and it is not to any earthly kingdom.  You do not have to agree with me.

In fact...

I have admiration for those who vote but refuse to label their decision the one Jesus wanted.  Some just could not vote in this election because of their love for the marginalized, the babies, people who are different, and marriage.  Others did not vote because they were afraid of persecution or deportation.  Others could not in good conscience vote for a greedy bully or a greedy liar.

But please think what your reactions -- before and after -- the election have communicated to others.

Fear.  Some of you come across as if the world is ending.  But God calls us to be courageous.  To give our anxiety to him.  And if the world really is ending... good for us.  We finally get to go home.

Mixed allegiance.  What kingdom are we serving?  Are we really calling people out of this world to follow Jesus?  Shouldn't we Christians be counter-cultural by our very nature?

Unity.  How attractive is our Christian family to those watching us?   Too many have implied -- or outright stated -- that your brothers and sisters that disagree with you politically do not love people, do not love babies, do not care about truth, and did not follow Jesus in this election.

Courage of your convictions.  Many people talked about how God is in control and He has this.  Then after the election, you went into a deep and dark depression.  And by the way, if the election had gone the other way some of you would be in a deep and dark depression.

So please understand that our God rules.  America is not his chosen nation.  Non Christians will never act like believers so stop expecting them to.

And what an opportunity to share the good news of a family that accepts everyone.  To invite people into a life of joy and peace no matter where you live on this earth.  To offer hope in a lost and dying world.  To help people find their true calling in following Jesus.

Be brave.  Be happy.  Love each other.  Love those who do know Jesus.  And then do something about it.

God you are in charge.  Forgive us when our actions do not reflect our faith.  Help us seize the opportunity to invite people into a Kingdom bigger and better than anything this world has to offer.  We pledge our lives to this purpose.  We will stop being afraid.  We will be courageous.  You and Son are with us.  Just like always.

  

I know today is election day and most have made up their mind and may have already voted or chosen not to vote.  But there will be more elections, so here are some things I think Christians must consider during elections.

Above all, honor Jesus.  Do not let differences of opinions over earthly things harm your relationships with other Christians.  And people that disagree with you are not ignorant or unfeeling.

And I am calling on elders to shepherd their flocks in this regard.  Do not let your churches harm the body of Christ and wreck our influence by how we act during election season.

So...

A Christian must first decide if it is appropriate to vote or not.  It is clear to most of you what I think, but that may not be what you decide.  You have to decide how to be a citizen of the kingdom of heaven and how to live in an earthly country or kingdom.  I know passionate followers of Jesus who will not vote, others who will vote only in local elections, and some who vote in national elections.  Determine what is right for you.

If you do vote, do so in the proper context.  You are never voting for a Christian system or in a way that makes the country Christian.  That is not possible.  There are no Christian nations.  And only by making followers of Jesus can you make any place more Christian.  You may decide to vote according to your Christian values,but that is hard to do.  Impossible in this presidential election.  I just cannot see Jesus in the policies or actions of either candidate.  So vote on earthly political values.  Decide what you think is best for your country and vote accordingly.

Just do not claim you are voting for the candidate of Jesus.  And don't write in Jesus.  He is not interested in ruling over any political or geographic system.  Jesus wants to be Lord, not president.

Stop holding up politicians as heroes and role models.  Some might be.  Most are not.  I would not want my family to look at either candidate as someone to emulate.  Find your heroes in your own family.  Many of you have role models there.  Find them in your churches.  There are lots of real heroes and role models there.  

And one last thing.  If you really want to see a Christian nation, then start making disciples in your world.  The disciple maker who does not vote has done more to make this a "Christian" nation than the disciple who votes but has never talked to their neighbors or friends about Jesus.

And by the way... however today turns out I am happy and blessed.  I am saved.  My family is saved.  My Lord is still in control.  He won a long time ago.  And because of him I win too.

Go God.  Thanks Jesus.

So God I ask that your will be done in this election.  I'll pray for whoever wins.  And I'll do my part in changing this country and this world by being your ambassador to share the message that Jesus died for our sins and you raised him the dead.  

I have been told by a number of Christians who I should vote for for President.  Some have a strong opinion, some are adamant, some find it incredible that I might not agree with them.  Some are sure of the candidate God wants elected.

There are a number of reasons given for supporting a candidate.  Some see it as a character issue -- tho it seems to be much more about what is wrong with the other candidate than what is right with the one they support.  Others make their case on what they believe is best to keep -- or to restore -- America as a Christian nation.  Some advocate for the candidate that they think will best preserve our Christian convictions and protect us from persecution.

But here is what I wonder... what if God does not see it your way?

Full disclosure:  I am not voting.  The Kingdom I belong to is not of this world.  It is not bound by geographic or political boundaries.  My Kingdom will outlast America and every other kingdom of this world.  My Kingdom cannot be defeated.  The ruler of my Kingdom is Jesus.  His will is going to be done.

But I am interested in this election.  I have prayed about it.  I want God's will to be done in this election.

But here is what I wonder...

What if God does not view us as a Christian nation and he knows that the church will be stronger if persecuted?

What if God wants us to live in a culture that is not "Christian" so that our light will shine brighter?

What if God does not want us deceived into thinking that we are a Christian nation and so we lose the passion to tell people about the real Kingdom?

What if God wants us to live radical lives of forgiveness in a culture that does not honor God?

What if he wants us to serve intently in a selfish world so people will see a different way to live?

What if God wants us to speak boldly the good news of Jesus into a culture that is full of bad news?

What if God's plan is not to do what is best for a country of this world but what is best for his kingdom?

What if his plan is to do what is best to awaken a hunger for joy, peace, hope, and purpose in a lost and hurting world?

What if his will is to have someone elected that gives us more opportunities to speak Jesus?

Maybe God wants us to be love and grace in a world of hatred and anger.  Even if our candidate loses.

So God there is lots I do not know or understand.  But I want our world to know your Son.  I pray your will be done in this election.  I pray we will live, serve, and speak with courage and conviction.  I pray for the outcome that gives the best opportunity for our witness and testimony to be seen and heard.  And I pray that we will be like your Son on November 8.  And every day after that.  No matter who wins this election.  And thank you for letting us belong to a Kingdom that will last forever.