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Four Reminders for Effective Gospel Witness in an Election Year
In Galatians 6:9, the Apostle Paul offers a timely and encouraging reminder, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” I wrote this article to encourage the weary and beleaguered believer. Consider taking these four steps as you continue your journey through the challenges and changes of these interesting days (and that’s putting it mildly).
REMINDER ONE: Remember Your Identity in Christ
People identify themselves in a variety of ways.
• Relationally as mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, aunts or uncles.
• Politically as republicans, democrats, independents, libertarians, constitutionalists.
• Vocationally as bus drivers, schoolteachers, coaches, doctors, business owners, etc.
Some use other identity markers to describe their ethnicity, nationality, fitness level, social status and academic level, to name a few. Those descriptions may be helpful, but for the follower of Jesus Christ, they are not ultimate.
As disciples of Jesus, each of us is a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) to be conformed into his image (Romans 8:29), and we must do the hard work of actively submitting all to Jesus. This submission includes viewing your identity as a disciple of Jesus to be more significant than any other identity factor. As you do this, your confidence in Jesus will grow, no matter how your circumstances change.
REMINDER TWO: Remember the Truth of God's Word
Continue to spend time daily reading the Word and in prayer. Practically, consider making note cards to remind yourself of truth. These cards should deal with the specific season you’re in or the temptations you experience.
REMINDER THREE: Remember Freedoms Granted by Government
Governments of some countries grant more religious and political freedoms than others. American citizens have been granted constitutional rights to practice their faith, to speak freely, to peacefully assemble and to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Contrast those freedoms with the diminished or complete lack of freedom experienced by many Christians and non-Christians around the world. Consider the following:
• Colombia, which sees an estimated $14 billion a year in corruption-related costs, experienced a wave of antigovernment protests starting at the end of November.
• Mexico, known for its deadly drug cartels, follows Colombia as the number two most corrupt country in the 2020 ranking.
• Bolivia's interim government announced in January that it will investigate nearly 600 former officials who worked under Evo Morales, who resigned from his presidency in November.
• Russia, which has been accused of election meddling and Olympic doping, joins the top 10 list this year after placing No. 12 in 2019.
• According to the Pew Research Foundation, Eritrea, Maldives and Mauritania are the top three countries with the most restrictive laws and policies toward religious freedom.
• According to the ERITREA 2018 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT... Since 2004, Eritrea has been designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
Yes, there are challenges and tensions in the U.S. as well. They bring sleepless nights to many of us. Nevertheless, as you remember your freedoms, remember there is a spectrum of chaos. Consider these two headlines from the past three months:
• Massive Beirut blast kills more than 70, injures thousands
• Fires Gut Europe’s Largest Migrant Camp on the Greek Island of Lesbos
Citizens of countries whose governments grant extensive religious and political freedom have a significant advocacy role to play for citizens of countries with few to no similar freedoms. Do not forget your suffering brother and sister in Christ.
REMINDER FOUR: Remember That Your Actions Affect the Next Generation
Many decisions you make are inconsequential; fewer decisions have a long-lasting impact. Every four years American citizens are faced with the latter. This article is not intended to tell you how to vote, but to remind you that when you vote, you vote not for yourself, but for your children.
Some outcomes, especially regarding the office of president of the United States, will have more of an effect on your children and grandchildren than on you. Here’s a question to ponder in the days to come: Will the policies being proposed by this candidate be policies that help your children flourish in their faith and experience the freedoms that you now enjoy?
We might compare the act of this type of voting to a horse pulling a cart with the nation’s children in tow. Turning to the left or to the right will lead our children in two different directions, ending in two very different places. There is a ditch on either side of the road, and if you go too far on either side, you might just end up stuck in a place with no ability to move forward.
GOD IS IN CONTROL
Above all, God is still actively in control of the entire universe and cares about your situation. Regardless of who is elected in November, God remains on his throne and our identity in him is secure. Though these days are filled with challenges, I encourage you to persevere. Remind yourself of who you are and what opportunities you have to shine your light. Don’t give up. One day the harvest will come.
About the Author | Curt Miller
Curt serves as the missions pastor of College Church. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three kids – Caleb, Gideon and Moriah. Curt grew up in South Carolina and enjoys a good meal of shrimp and grits.
