Note from Randy: This is a great answer from Doreen Button, part of our EPM staff, in response to some questions about politics. Like many of you, I do not enjoy the political turmoil, including in the church, that will only get worse as the presidential election gets closer. On the one hand, there is much at stake and some issues are extremely important, not the least of them the right to life of unborn children. However, we should be trusting God no matter what happens. As Psalm 25:15 says, “My eyes are continually toward Yahweh.” May this be true of God’s people!

Question from a reader:

What advice does your ministry and Randy have at this time of political chaos with a major election coming up? I am trying to stay on point with issues as I talk with family and friends, but I can’t even have a conversation with them because they disagree with candidates I am choosing to vote for. I am looking for advice for me to stay calm and look at this upcoming election in the right way. How can I have the right approach?

Answer from Doreen Button, EPM staff:

The ways people handle election cycles is a great reminder of how fallen we are and how deeply we need God’s grace. I applaud your desire to converse calmly about things you seem to care deeply about. It can be discouraging when people you love don’t want to listen. And, as with any relationship, you are only responsible for your actions and reactions and cannot control outcomes involving other people and their choices.

My short answer to your question is to keep an eternal perspective and keep Jesus’ words about what’s most important always foremost in your thoughts. This is an important habit to build no matter what the circumstances and will serve to keep God first, and to promote servant-hearted love toward others as an outflow of God’s love working in and through you.

By eternal perspective I mean focusing on what lasts. You’re probably familiar with Randy’s example of our present lives as a tiny dot on eternity’s endless timeline. This election will certainly encompass important issues, but since God always has been and always will be sovereign over all He’s created, we neither need to worry about the outcome (in fact that would go directly against His stated will) nor risk disrupting the unity Jesus prayed so earnestly to the Father for us.

His Kingdom has and will come and His will is being done, because of and in spite of us and our stand on any given issue or candidate. (Meditate on 1 Timothy 2:1-6 and Titus chapters 2 and 3.) “It is better to take refuge in Yahweh than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:9).

Randy has written several blogs which I believe can be applied to your situation. Here are links to two of my favorites: Are We Careful to Speak Words of Mercy and Grace, Especially When We Disagree? and Outrage Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit. Randy seeks to consistently blend both biblical truth and Christ-honoring grace. It’s one of many traits our EPM staff appreciate about him.

One last thought you might want to ponder. People are made in God’s image (even when we reflect that image poorly) and our relationships with each other are far more important—and among believers, far longer lasting—than being “right” (or even being heard). Jesus tells us to “Seek God’s Kingdom first, and His righteousness…” That’s our job. His job? “At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:10).

We have to be far more passionate about Jesus, and our unbelieving loved ones knowing Him, than we are about any political candidate. Before initiating or engaging in political conversations, particularly with those who don’t see things your way, pray! Then, ask yourself if you are fighting for your own ideals or are you genuinely interested in loving the other person well.

If and when a conversation happens, it may also help to diffuse strong feelings if you acknowledge their concerns over the candidate you are choosing to support and try to be understanding about them.  Your choice to share in a spirit of kindness and love will stand out in a culture of accusations and name calling.

In his article “Mercy Would Make America Great,” Vince Miller writes:

In conversations about candidates, policies, and platforms, we should follow Jesus’s example, and ask good questions to try and understand the reasons for our neighbors’ deeply held beliefs. Make an effort to understand how they came to their conclusions and convictions, and then reason with a respectful attitude.

…This political season is not about us. We kneel before the throne and submit our preferences, opinions, and purposes to Almighty God. It is all about him. Keep your focus on Christ because there is ultimately only one King and one kingdom.

God bless you as you make your way through this quagmire called politics. May you come out the other side looking more like Jesus!

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