How to Have a Peaceful Election

Here we are on the eve of another Presidential election. The narrative and rhetoric of this election, and downright lies and personality slams have been U-G-L-Y. This has become the norm for elections. Some of us on both sides try valiantly enough to share some thoughts in the hopes of uniting a divisive landscape, but it seems no one is listening and opinions become fodder for personal attack. I wonder if it needs to be this way. How to have a peaceful election might seem like an impossibility, but where there is a will, there can be a way.

I had a few thoughts that might guide both sides of this election and thought I would share them in the hopes that whatever happens tomorrow, we can know that we can still have peace.

Admittedly, most of these principles can be learned on the Kindergarten playground.

That’s right. We might not like the outcome, but throwing a temper tantrum, whining, and complaining is for toddlers. Causing divisiveness will not bless us, either. Ultimately, God is still in control.

“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases” (Proverbs 21:1, NIV).

When someone has a different opinion than you, insulting them or trying to intimidate them to your point-of-view is being a bully. Calling them names just because they have a different point-of-view is also manipulative and controlling. Why not accept that everyone does not think like you? It would be a scary world if they did. There is such freedom in accepting others who think differently. Christ’s acceptance of us was not earned and we surely did not deserve it.

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7).

We are not having a popularity contest, though there is a popular vote. We are not electing a pastor, either. But we are electing someone who we are entrusting to lead our great nation. Neither candidate is perfect. But both deserve respect for being willing to serve our nation. Vote for policies, not personality.

“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king” (1 Peter 2:17, NLT).

We are at a crossroads, friends. Who do you think will do a better job? Base your opinion on actions, not words. And the most important distinction—will your choice line up with biblical principles? Don’t just dismiss this distinctive. Other nations have done so to their own peril. Your vote will impact your future grandchildren.

“A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” —Ecclesiastes 10:2

Just sayin’.

To abstain from voting to make a statement is not just making a statement. It is an action that has consequences. Vote. It is a right that was hard fought for. But vote in alignment with the very faith that this nation is founded upon. Vote for righteousness, not for rights that are contrary to God’s word.

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2, ESV).

It’s hard not to be impacted by all of the propaganda and even my little post here reveals my vote. That’s ok. If we are honest, we all have views. But then if we are wise, we submit our views to Scripture’s views and then pray that God would lead us as we vote. Then, friends, pray for whoever wins—they are going to need it!

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV).

The same God Who has presided over every other election has purposes we cannot even fathom. His will is going to be accomplished. Let’s trust God and be agents for righteousness in our culture.

“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28, ESV).

𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐄, 𝐘’𝐀𝐋𝐋!!!