Church newsletter pastoral column for St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene, Iowa, for November, 2020. A pastoral reflection looking at what the Bible says about elections and voting in preparation for the November US Elections.
Scripture for an Election Season
As Christians, we believe that all we have and all we are is gifted to us by God, to be used to bless others and to build God’s kingdom. We often talk about stewardship in terms of our financial resources, but with election day rapidly approaching, I want to reflect on what it means to steward our citizenship, and in particular, the privilege we have of voting.
Let’s look at a few Scripture verses relevant to the choices we will soon be making as citizens of our city, state, and nation. First, a proverb on the importance of electing good leaders:
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
Although it might be surprising given how often politicians cite Scripture, the Bible has little concept of a democracy. Yet it does speak of choosing leaders. While the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, it became clear that Moses needed help leading them, so he instructed each tribe to choose leaders. The leadership criteria he gives them for their choice is helpful for us as we vote.
Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning,
and reputable to be your leaders. -Deuteronomy 1:13
This election is important, and I believe we as Christians are called to participate, to vote in a way consistent with our faith, to elect leaders who will work to protect and serve all people, seek justice, pursue peace, and stand up for the poor and the least of these. And yet, it’s also important to keep perspective. We don’t need Trump or Biden to save us – we already have a Savior.
For dominion belongs to the Lord, who rules over the nations. -Psalm 22:28
Citizenship in this nation is important, but being Americans is not our most important identity. First and foremost, you are a child of God, claimed in the waters of Holy Baptism. Our goals are not always the same as this world’s goals—sometimes they’re even opposite.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. -John 15:19
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. -Philippians 3:20
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. -Ephesians 2:19
Whether you’re pleased or disappointed on November 4th (or quite likely a few days or even weeks later), keep perspective. No matter who wins the election, our call as Christians continues: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37, 39)
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. -1 Peter 3:8-9a
In Christ,
-Pastor Daniel Flucke