Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. —John 14:27
Let me summarize this: Our primary role as citizens of heaven is not really to influence an election.
Elections are won by God. God chooses who will win the election. The election will be won when God casts His vote.
So then, what’s our role in the process? Sure, we can engage in politics if we wish. Stick on bumper stickers. Plant signs. Vote. But that role is secondary to our primary passion and calling.
In C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan is the lion who represents Jesus. Hope returns to Narnia when all realize that “Aslan is on the move.” Today, Jesus is on the move, too. It may be harder to see in an election year, but Jesus is still invading people’s lives and transforming hearts in the way that we know He can. Of course, there are plenty of us who will be elated at the outcomes of this election season. There will be plenty of us who will be deeply discouraged. So be it. What are we to do when Aslan is on the move?
John, Jesus’ best friend, captured the heart of our role in numerous passages in his Gospel.
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
(John 14:1)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:9)
And of course, the most quoted Bible verse in history:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Far above our political preferences, our campaign is one of belief and love.
- Believe in the Most High God.
- Believe in His Son who died so that we might live.
- Believe in His Spirit who lives in us.
Then we pray for those we feel are persecuting us, and we love those who seem like our enemies. Our campaign is, above all others, to pray and share and love and welcome weary birds to His tree. My encouragement to you is just to keep an eye open for them. They’re all around. They’re lonely, longing, and weary. Some of them are feeling elated. Some of them are feeling discouraged. When you see them, wrap your little wings around them and draw them to His heart as He loves magnificently through you.
That, my friends, is how the story of this election can be won—no matter what.
Most High God, may Your peace that surpasses all comprehension guard my heart and my mind in the knowledge of Christ Jesus always.
Jesus, may You love others through me today. You are my life. I love because You first loved me. May I be known by YOUR love flowing through me to all people, in all situations, all of the time.
Holy Spirit, may I allow You to be my Comforter and Counselor as You empower me and guide me. Amen.