stephen R Harrison

Presidential elections can set a lot of people on edge – especially Christians. Discouraged, relieved, angered, and numb may be some words to describe the way people feel. To be honest, I’m not usually excited about either top candidate. My first thought is usually, “Are these the best that America has to offer?” Some choose to vote, and some don’t. Some vote according to party affiliation, and some write-in candidates. Election outcomes may shock many, but the Presidential election system works as laid out in the Constitution (like it has 45 times – although there have only been 43 Presidents – Grover Cleveland served as the 22nd and the 24th POTUS).

As a Christian and a pastor, morality, and character are important to me and are foundational to all life’s decisions. I have to tell you, I have never placed my trust and hope for our nation in any of the presidents I’ve lived under – Carter, Regan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, or Biden. I won’t with future ones. I’ve liked some more than others, and I will vote and promote ones that side more with Scripture, but here’s the truth – in some way, all of them (from Washington to the present) have been sinful men who have and will operate in some way contradictory to Scripture. That’s also true of me! Every candidate I’ve had the opportunity to vote for has gone against Scripture in some major area of life in some way. My prayer generally switches halfway through a campaign from “God elect one” to “God save both.” Why? We are all sinful people who sometimes promote the desires of this world, the devil, and the flesh more than the things of Christ. I often ask myself, “Has our country been divided beyond repair? Are we doomed?” Here’s another thought about the church and the next president…

In an old hymnal I own from the late 1800’s, there is a hymn titled, “What Then?”. There is a note written in cursive pencil beside the hymn title, extending it to read, “When McKinley is elected.” Obviously, that person expressed their political angst during worship one day in the church hymnal. That’s a better way to voice disapproval than the person who assassinated President McKinley in 1901, just six months into his second term. Political disapproval and unrest are nothing new. Kings, presidents, and leaders have come and gone in this world. Governments, nations, and kingdoms have come and gone as well. America’s hope isn’t in a political system or particular leader. Now understand me. Scripture is clear that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice, and when the wicked rule, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2). Righteousness exalts a nation. Sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). While my prayers and hopes are for godly leadership and I’ll pray and consult Scripture for whom I should vote for in our great nation, my hope has never been in a President. Neither the current President nor former/future Presidents are our savior, healer, deliverer, restorer, and redeemer – that’s only Jesus. In fact, Jesus can work and revival can come even if your candidate isn’t elected or in office!

Can God use sinful people? He can. He did in Scripture. He does it by using me. However, God doesn’t need a President or the right President to move in our nation. The formula for revival in America (or any nation) is and always will be humility, prayer, seeking God, and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14). We must return to a deep dependence upon the Lord, loving what He loves, and abiding in His Word. How does the church respond in a presidential election year? We must pray the prayers of Jesus in John 17, “I pray that we will all be one, just as God and Jesus are one. May we be one in the Lord so the world will believe in Jesus. May we experience such perfect unity that the world will know that God sent Jesus and that He loves them as much as He loves Jesus.” Scriptures like Ephesians 1:11 and Isaiah 46:10 remind us God is sovereign and still in control. He was the many times when Israel was in captivity and being slaughtered. He is still the ruler of all kings and nations (2 Chronicles 20:6). He is the God that does not change (Malachi 3:6) and is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Peace alone is found in Him (John 14:27). We must pray for those in authority over us (Romans 13:1-3). Believers must walk in truth, love, and grace (Ephesians 4:15). Our agenda is not to promote a political party or candidate but to represent Jesus as our one true King and do His will (Hebrews 13:21). While I’ll always encourage Christians to be light in their communities, even by being involved in politics, I’ll always remind them our hope is in Christ alone. This earth and its kingdoms will pass away (1 John 2:17; Matthew 24:35), but Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and His Kingdom shall reign forever (Isaiah 9:7).