3 Things to Keep in Mind During an Election Year

Sometimes I enjoy flipping through news channels on TV. When I do, it’s hard not to notice how emotions, opinions, and rudeness seem to be running high in the political arena these days. Yikes! It’s pretty sad.

All of this reminds me of three things I need to keep in mind during an election year:

1. My loyalty to Jesus eclipses all my other loyalties.
Now is a good time to remember that, as a follower of Jesus, my primary identity is not linked to a political party, or to a particular candidate. Even when I become more politically engaged, my primary identity is as a son of our Heavenly Father, purchased by the blood of Christ and chosen by grace (see John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 11:5).

The reality is that, as the writer of Hebrews said in 11:16, I am among those who are “longing for a better country—a heavenly one.”

2. As a Christ-follower, I honor all people with my words and attitudes.
Lately, I’ve been instructed by Peter’s words in 1 Peter 2:17—“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (NIV). I want the way I relate to all people—including candidates—to be marked by respect, love, and honor.

3. I need to pray.
Paul urged Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1,2 that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority” (NIV). Fretting, shrill discourse, and passing judgment will not accomplish what prayer accomplishes. I need to pray.

Friends, whether we lean right or left on the political spectrum, let’s work hard at not letting our politics eclipse our loyalty to Christ and to His Kingdom. Let’s also do all we can, when we engage in political discourse, to show proper respect to everyone. And, let’s be praying.