Voters in New York

Today is election day for America. Thanks be to God it’s nearly over. But, seriously, it feels great to be an American on this day. Regardless of all the kinks in our system, today is the day that the people have their voice heard.

I’ve been watching a series on the Romanov dynasty in Russia. Believe me, it makes me glad to be an American! In so many countries – too many countries – the people have no voice. I’m thinking China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, and Cuba. We need to remember that, and remember how blessed we are that we have a voice in our government. We need to do everything we can do keep that voice. These dictatorships are salivating at the opportunity to spread their dictatorships to other countries, and wouldn’t they celebrate to have the USA on their list.

The American experiment is unique in history. The idea that the people would choose their leaders was not the norm when our Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia to put together our Constitution. Democracy has since spread to other countries, from Europe to Africa to South America to Asia. But there is no guarantee that Republican government will survive. It has to be fought for. It has to be defended. The best way to do that is to do what we are doing today – VOTE!

As well, we remember that we are people of faith. Regardless of who wins, the Scriptures remind us: “Put no trust in princes [or princesses, I would add], in children of Adam powerless to save. Who breathing his last, returns to the earth; that day all his planning comes to nothing” (Ps 146:3-4a). Our ultimate hope is not in whoever is president. Whoever is the next president will only be president for four years. Our ultimate hope is not in the next four years, but in life eternal, which began when we were baptized into the Body of Christ. Our hope is in Christ, who is the Lord of history.

So, make sure to vote. Make sure that your voice is heard. But put your faith in Christ.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.