November 5th, 2024
by Josh Evans
by Josh Evans
With the election on everyone’s mind, I wanted to share a few things with you that are on my heart today. Listen, few things divide as much as politics. For that reason many of us stay silent, avoid the conversation, or are just unsure how to handle political conversations with hope, grace, and joy. The question that all of us must ask is how can we as followers of Christ engage in the political conversation while continuing our mission of reaching as many people as possible with the good news of the Gospel? Can you do both? The answer is yes, and here are some helpful tips and reminders as this election season comes to a close tonight:
First, VOTE! It’s a freedom and privilege that we have to live in this great country. If we don’t vote, we forfeit our right to complain about the outcome. How should we vote? Although, we do vote for a person, let me remind you that no candidate is perfect (including write ins). Because they are all flawed, my advice is to vote for the platform that best aligns with Scripture. Biblical morality, character, traditional marriage, protecting the life of the unborn, protecting the God ordained right for parents to parent their kids (not the government or a school system), support of Israel, and protecting religious freedom are things that followers of Christ should look for in a platform when they vote. I’ll never tell you who to vote for, that’s between you and God, but I will unapologetically encourage you to vote for a platform that best aligns with Scripture.
Second, BE KIND! You won’t agree with everyone, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be kind to everyone. Burk Parsons said, “Christians are those who pray for those they vote against.” Be kind and love your neighbor.
Third, STAY JOYFUL! If the political conversation and outcome steals your joy, maybe you are hoping in Washington more than you are hoping in Jesus. Christian, our hope is not in a political candidate, our hope is in Jesus Christ. Our allegiance is not to a political party, our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Our joy is not found in winning an election, our joy is found in knowing that Jesus has already won.
Fourth, PRAY! We are called to pray for the leaders that God appoints over us. He didn’t say pray for only those that we voted for, He commands us to pray for our leaders no matter if we voted for them or not. Commit to pray for our leaders and pray that God would continue to bless America for years to come.
So, get out and vote, but be encouraged no matter the outcome, because we know that Jesus has secured the final and most important outcome!
You are loved,
Pastor Josh Evans
First, VOTE! It’s a freedom and privilege that we have to live in this great country. If we don’t vote, we forfeit our right to complain about the outcome. How should we vote? Although, we do vote for a person, let me remind you that no candidate is perfect (including write ins). Because they are all flawed, my advice is to vote for the platform that best aligns with Scripture. Biblical morality, character, traditional marriage, protecting the life of the unborn, protecting the God ordained right for parents to parent their kids (not the government or a school system), support of Israel, and protecting religious freedom are things that followers of Christ should look for in a platform when they vote. I’ll never tell you who to vote for, that’s between you and God, but I will unapologetically encourage you to vote for a platform that best aligns with Scripture.
Second, BE KIND! You won’t agree with everyone, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be kind to everyone. Burk Parsons said, “Christians are those who pray for those they vote against.” Be kind and love your neighbor.
Third, STAY JOYFUL! If the political conversation and outcome steals your joy, maybe you are hoping in Washington more than you are hoping in Jesus. Christian, our hope is not in a political candidate, our hope is in Jesus Christ. Our allegiance is not to a political party, our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Our joy is not found in winning an election, our joy is found in knowing that Jesus has already won.
Fourth, PRAY! We are called to pray for the leaders that God appoints over us. He didn’t say pray for only those that we voted for, He commands us to pray for our leaders no matter if we voted for them or not. Commit to pray for our leaders and pray that God would continue to bless America for years to come.
So, get out and vote, but be encouraged no matter the outcome, because we know that Jesus has secured the final and most important outcome!
You are loved,
Pastor Josh Evans
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