As a follower of Jesus, I believe that God is Sovereign, that our citizenship is in Heaven and that we participate in the unfolding eternal Kingdom of God. For those who would have identify with the same faith perspective, our approach should be distinctly different.
Our trust and our hope is not in any one political party or politician. Rather our hope and trust is found in Jesus Christ: Our Saviour, Our Messiah, Our Prince of Peace, our Coming King. However, until the time of the fullness of God’s Kingdom, I believe that we have privileges and responsibilities within the country we reside, Canada.
To what extent do we gravitate first to forming an opinion about political leaders and parties, before deepening our understanding of what it means to be followers of Jesus, and citizens of heaven, living within the geographical borders of our country?
As we approach another federal election, too many people, are being manipulated into divisiveness. The ease with which information and disinformation is shared across social media platforms is alarming. The rhetoric of campaigning has more to do with disparaging the others, than promoting the welfare of our nation. This should not be.
However, it should be noted that these symptoms are an indication that we are looking for a leader, when we should be looking to Our King.
- I care about Canada so I will learn about the best (not perfect) public policies for these times, prior to voting, knowing that campaign promises aren’t easily enacted in parliamentary process.
- From the EFC (Evangelical Fellowship of Canada), here is a short list of key election issues (each link is a single page PDF).
- I care about character, so I will discern if a candidate cares about minority views as well as popular views, can listen to, and honour opposing views as well as their own perspective; and do they have a track record that demonstrates integrity.
- I care about life, so I will discern if a candidate communicates a commitment to all people at all stages of life.
- I will pray to God for our country, and our region according to Jeremiah 29:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
- Canada gives me the right to vote, so I am going to vote as a means of voicing my preferences for our future. - Knowing, each vote counts on election day, therefore I will make my vote count.
- I will pray for and honour our government, as those who are (often unknowingly) part of God’s greater purpose, (Romans 13:1-5), no matter which party is victorious in this election.
- My vote, communicates my care for our country and a continued trust in the Sovereignty of God to work out his eternal purposes according to his will and in his time.
In our current world where people and politics collide and divide, there is another force at work. It is a unifying force that is centred on the cross of Jesus. (John 12:32)
We are called to follow Jesus.
He is the king of kings.
He never took authority.
He emptied himself of it.
He never sought control.
He served others with generous unconditional love.
He didn’t divide people.
He united people.
Through the cross.
This past week, it was a privilege to be part of a team serving and connecting with the materially poor in El Salvador, I was also engaged in a group chat with my doctoral friends, about our collective dismay regarding the political nature of our countries, and the way in which it has infiltrated the evangelical church. Let me share with one quote, from one of my good friends:
“For years we have seen the growing divide within the church and the political climate of the US. I find myself at a loss in many ways. I am grieved that the church and the name of Jesus has become associated with hate, exclusion, judgment, legalism, and so many things that don't look like the grace and love of the Jesus I know. I see believers leaving the church, and non-believers running away even faster. The association of Evangelicalism with a political party and platform has added fuel to the fire.
As a follower of Jesus, I find myself unable to stand idly by. Jesus was not concerned with earthly nations and boundaries, but rather the Kingdom of God. He brought hope, healing and restoration of right relationship with God to all nations, all people, without regard for worthiness. We are called over and over to stand with the oppressed, feed the hungry, clothe and shelter people, to assure that people in prison are cared for... to love mercy, seek justice, and walk humbly with our God."
Therefore:
May we live life with sacrificial generosity that relies upon the power of God.
May we live life in the footsteps of Jesus, and in the company of Jesus, who measured greatness, not by political position, but by a humble posture through which the needs of others were served.
May we live life for the glory of God, and his eternal Kingdom.
One of our greatest points of frustration with electoral processes is that we get sucked into dispensing energy and emotion for short term solutions that often fail to make a tangible or enduring difference.
May we live today on earth as it is in heaven.
Join me in voting, at an advance poll (April 18-21), by mail in ballot (there is a multi-step process that must be completed by April 22) or at your local poll on Election Day, April 28, 2025.
“God keep our land glorious and free”.
Comments
Post a Comment