The election that is coming up in November is frightening for multiple reasons. For some, it is frightening to image Donald Trump being elected, with his demagogic mannerism and marginalization of minorities. For others, it is frightening to imagine Hillary Clinton being elected, with her air of dishonesty and wishy-washy political stances. For still others, it’s frightening to imagine either being elected. I want to speak to Christians; in all of this hype over the future of America, whether it be for better or worse, it is easy to forget that it is not man who sets up and deposes kings. To this end, I bring to you a reminder from this election and a reminder for this election.
The temptation when running into a kind of fear that this election brings is to cling closely to a political agenda or party, as we believe he, she, or it can deliver us from what drives the fear within us and is ultimately our anticipated salvation. Here’s the reality of that inclination: our party or candidate cannot save us. I believe that it’s an affront to the power and competency of God to trust in the state in this way. I believe that it’s idolatry even. To put all of our hope into the promise to “make America great again” without putting all of our anticipation on the kingdom of heaven, is to make ourselves indistinguishable from those who love the world and make the state their god.
Christ said that we should not hoard “treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” (Matthew 6:19). Putting all hope on the saving power of the United States is foolish because the United States is not invincible. This is simply true. The Roman Empire fell. The Soviet Union fell. A plethora of powerful Chinese dynasties fell. There will almost certainly be a day in which the U.S. in its current form will no longer exist. Still, this should not be our greatest fear. I feel this is misplaced, as Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). I do not say this to say that this election will spell the doom of the U.S. I mean to say that even if America were to fall and brought immense persecution on the church, our greatest fear should remain the fear of the Lord. Therefore, we cannot allow fear of any candidate being elected to consume us, and that’s the reminder from this election.
The reminder for this election is of similar essence with a more positive spin. Because we know that America is not the ultimate sovereignty, we can face this election free from fear of its outcome. Christ has overcome the world. Likewise, if you have been crucified with Him, do not stake your primary citizenship in this world.
