3 ways to put Jesus above politics

I don't remember the last time I saw our country so divided.

People plant their stakes in the ground, live on opposite ends of the spectrum, taking specific sides as the gulf grows between image-bearing companions.

Families and friends disagree. Relationships are breaking up. All the while, our enemy laughs behind the scenes, certain that his plans will prevail.

Hope we won't find out.

Well, I, for example, won't have it.

I see his patterns and am ready to completely expose his lies.

1. Remember who reigns
Due to the fall our world is broken. Our people are worried and hurt.

The heartbreaking issues we see before us are crucial, relating to life and death. Injustice and fairness. Health and disease. Security and unrest.

In fact, these problems have existed since the creation of man. But Satan has resumed his game, hoping that we will place our trust in all the wrong places.

But God has not left His children defenseless. He has granted us the gift of discernment, the ability to wade through the mud of the enemy and determine what is right. When we look at things from the lens of the sky, a change of perspective occurs.

We realize that we have no faith in a political system. We don't trust the perfection of any president. We do not place our trust in a particular candidate, program or organization.

No. Instead, we place our lives in the love-marked hands of the One who sits on the throne.

No matter who wins these elections, Jesus will reign as King.

And this is incredibly good news! From the point of view of eternity, it does not matter which party we support. All that matters is whether we remain faithful to our Savior.

If we stand behind His Word and the life He has come to give, no barrage of attacks or persecutions can break our trust in the Cross.

Jesus did not die to be republican, democratic or independent. He died to defeat death and wash away the stain of sin. When Jesus rose from the grave, he introduced our victory song. The blood of Christ guarantees our triumph over all circumstances, regardless of who commands on earth. We will rise above every obstacle sent by Satan because God has already lowered it.

Regardless of what happens here, by the grace of God, we have already won.

2. Represents our creator, not a candidate
Many times we let the worries and difficulties of our life obscure the reality of heaven. We forget that we do not belong to this world.

We belong to a holy, living and moving kingdom that does everything right.

Personally, I'm not too political, except on a few key issues. I don't want to be seen this way or that. Instead, I pray that others see me as a powerful force for gospel truths.

I want my children to see that I have loved others in the same way that my Savior loves me. I want to show my friends and family what compassion, care and belief really mean. I want to represent and reflect the image of my Creator, the merciful Reconciler and Redeemer of the broken.

When people look at me, I want them to know and see God.

3. Live to please God, not a party
No political party is flawless. Neither party is immune to defects. And that's okay. Only One reigns perfectly. We should never have depended on the government for wisdom and restoration.

That right belongs to God and Scripture tells us that our loyalty should be with our Lord.

The Bible says: “And this world is fading away, along with all that people desire. But whoever does what pleases God will live forever “. (1 John 2:17 NLT)

And what pleases God?

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him “. (Hebrews 11: 6 NLT)

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and intelligence, so as to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1: 9-10 ESV)

As precious children of God, it is our honor to be his hands, feet and words to this suffering world. Our mission is to let others know the goodness we can experience in Him and the beauty of knowing God more. But we cannot do it, or please God, without having FAITH ...

Not faith in ourselves or in humanity or the systems we have created. Instead, let's put Jesus above all else and anchor our faith in Him. He will never let us down. His kindness will never affect. His heart remains tied to those he calls and loves.

Where will we put our hope?
This world is fading. What we see physically is not promised. I think 2020 has made that abundantly clear! But the invisible realities of our Father's Kingdom will never fail.

And so, dear reader, take a deep breath and let the heavy tension ease. Take the deep peace that this world can never give. We will vote on election day for the person we think is the best. But remember as children of God, we will put our hope in what will last.