Politics and faith are often discouraged in the same sentence. Yet in times of political change and social division, many people are caught up in the zeal and fervor of candidates and elections.
Yard signs sprout like weeds, social media feeds become battlegrounds, and conversations with friends and family teeter on the edge of divisiveness. It’s a time when hopes run high, and fears run even higher.
Originally posted November 3, 2016. Refreshed and republished on October 21, 2024.
Table of Contents
A Disclaimer, of Sorts…
For as long as I can remember, I can recall how in every Presidential election, both sides of the aisle would proclaim that “this is the election where we’ll lose all of America if so-and-so is elected!”
So far that has not been entirely true, but I can also point to each administration since I’ve been alive and how, little by little, Constitutional rights have been chipped away at.
All elections have consequences, and your vote does as well. One of these election cycles will lead to the repercussions that may very well produce a system that we do not return from.

While I have personally experienced life in other cultures that are quite the opposite of the freedom we enjoy as Americans, this article isn’t about ideologies and Constitutional rights. It’s about keeping our eyes fixed on God’s eternal Kingdom – not temporal man made ones.
The Illusion of Political Salvation in America
Amidst this electoral storm, a sobering truth remains: No political candidate can truly save America.
This isn’t a statement of cynicism or despair. Rather, it’s a call to realign our perspective and place our hope where it truly belongs. As Christians, when we navigate the choppy waters of election cycles, it’s crucial to remember that our ultimate security and future does not rest in the hands of any political figure, party, or platform.
In this post, we’ll explore why pinning our hopes on a candidate is misguided, what we can be certain about in uncertain times, and where we should be anchoring our faith and expectations. By the end, I hope you’ll find a renewed sense of peace and purpose that transcends the turbulence of election season, and any unrealized consequences to come.
3 Unshakeable Truths About Every Election
In the swirling chaos of campaign promises, heated debates, fabricated news stories, and conflicting polls, it’s easy to lose sight of what remains constant. Here are three certainties we can hold onto, regardless of who’s running or what the outcome may be:
1. Neither Candidate Will Save America

It’s tempting to view a favored candidate as a potential savior, capable of solving all our nation’s problems, and maybe lingering global issues as well. However, this perspective is not only unrealistic but potentially dangerous. No single individual, regardless of their qualifications, charisma, or intentions, can bring about the extensive transformation and healing our country needs.
As Isaiah 2:22 reminds us,
“Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
This isn’t to say we shouldn’t engage in the political process or support candidates we believe in. Most certainly, candidates will carry influence and initiate change, for better or worse. We should choose who we vote for wisely, yet also be reasonable with our expectations and remember where our ultimate hope lies.
2. Things Will Inevitably Change
The only constant in life is change, and this holds true in politics as well. Today’s pressing issues may fade into the background tomorrow, while unforeseen challenges emerge. Political landscapes shift, alliances form and dissolve, and public opinion can swing dramatically in short periods.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This includes seasons of political upheaval and calm, progress and setbacks. Recognizing this can help us maintain perspective when things don’t go as we hope or expect.
3. God Will Always Remain in Control
Amidst the uncertainty of elections and the constant shifting of political tides, one truth stands firm: God’s sovereignty never wavers. Daniel 2:21 declares,
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.”
This doesn’t mean we should be passive observers in the political process. Rather, it provides a foundation of peace and assurance as we engage. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, God’s plans and purposes will ultimately prevail.
Understanding and embracing these three certainties can dramatically shift our approach to elections. They free us from the anxiety of thinking everything hinges on a single vote, while still encouraging us to participate thoughtfully and prayerfully in the democratic process.
Redirecting Our Hope: From Politics to Providence
In the heat of election seasons, it’s all too easy to become emotionally invested in political results. After all, much of our personal convictions and world views are expressed politically. This means we may find ourselves placing an unreasonable amount of faith in candidates or parties, believing that if only our chosen leader were in power, all would be well. However, this misplaced hope can lead to deep disappointment.
The Danger of Political Idolatry

When we elevate political figures to savior status, we’re essentially creating idols. This not only sets us up for disappointment but also goes against biblical teachings. Psalm 146:3-4 (ESV) warns us,
“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”
This serves as a reminder to keep our political involvement in proper view as we engage in the process and express our preferences.
A Higher Perspective
Instead of getting caught up in the temporary drama of elections, we’re called to lift our eyes to a higher, eternal reality. Isaiah 40:21-24 (NKJV) provides a powerful reminder of God’s supremacy over earthly rulers:
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.”
This passage puts human power into stark perspective. Even the mightiest rulers are like grasshoppers before God, their reigns fleeting and their power limited.
Nations rise and nations fall, God’s word alone stands forever. Or, as Isaiah records that thought,
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

Anchoring Our Hope
So where should we place our hope? The answer is clear throughout Scripture: in God alone. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV) tells us,
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
By anchoring our hope in God rather than in political outcomes, we gain a peace and stability that transcends the ups and downs of election cycles. This doesn’t mean we become apathetic about our civic duties. Instead, it allows us to engage in the political process with wisdom, discernment, and a eternal perspective, free from the anxiety and desperation that often characterize political discourse.
As we navigate this and future elections, let’s remember to keep our hope firmly rooted in the unchanging character of God, rather than the changing tides of political fortune.
Rights vs. Surrender: A Christian Perspective on Cultural Priorities
In our current cultural climate, there’s an intense focus on individual rights and personal freedom. From social media debates to protest marches, we constantly hear the call, “I have the right to…” This emphasis on personal autonomy is deeply ingrained in American culture and, in all honesty, has its roots in our nation’s founding principles.

The Pursuit of Rights
There’s no denying that the fight for individual rights has led to significant positive changes in our society. Civil rights movements, women’s suffrage, and disability advocacy come to mind as examples of how the pursuit of rights has corrected injustices and improved people’s lives.
However, as Christians, we’re called to view our lives through a different lens. While we can appreciate the importance of civil liberties, our ultimate allegiance is not to our rights, but to Christ.
A Counter-cultural Call
The Christian perspective offers a radical alternative to the “my rights first” mentality. Jesus said in Luke 9:23-24 (ESV),
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
This call to self-denial and surrender stands in stark contrast to our culture’s emphasis on self-assertion and personal rights. It’s not about having our needs met or our voices heard, but about submitting ourselves fully to God’s will and purposes.
The Paradox of Surrender
Interestingly, it’s in this surrender that we find true freedom and fulfillment. Jesus promised in Matthew 11:29-30 (NKJV),
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
When we shift our focus from demanding our rights to surrendering our lives to Christ, we discover a peace and purpose that no political victory or social movement can provide. We find our identity not in what we can claim for ourselves, but in who we are in Christ.
Practical Implications
This outlook dramatically changes how we engage with politics and culture:
1. It frees us from the anxiety (and the battle) of constantly defending our rights.
2. It allows us to serve others selflessly, even when it costs us something.
3. It enables us to better engage in political discourse with grace and humility.
4. It helps us prioritize Kingdom values over personal or national interests.
As we navigate the complexities of our culture and political engagement, let’s remember that our ultimate fulfillment comes not from asserting our rights or aligning with the right political party, but from following Jesus. In doing so, we offer a powerful, counter-cultural witness to a world desperately in need of hope and purpose beyond what any human system can provide.
The Unshakeable Throne: God’s Sovereignty in Political Turmoil
As Christians engaging in election seasons and political upheavals, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in the bedrock truth of God’s sovereignty. This isn’t just a comforting thought; it’s a transformative reality that should shape our entire approach to civic engagement and our response to election results.
God’s Authority Over Nations
The prophet Isaiah offers a striking perspective on God’s relationship to the nations:
“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.” (Isaiah 40:15, ESV)
This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s supreme authority. Even the greatest and mightiest nations are insignificant compared to His power. This doesn’t mean God is distant or uncaring about human affairs. Rather, it reminds us that no earthly power can ultimately oppose or hinder His purposes.

Assurance from Scripture
You’ll find further refuge in the promise of this truth:
“The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:10-11, ESV)
While human agendas may seem all-consuming in the moment, they are fleeting in light of eternity. God’s plans, however, are steadfast and unchanging. This gives us a framework for viewing political events not through the lens of temporary victories or defeats, but through the assurance of God’s overarching purpose.
Our Response to His Sovereignty
Understanding God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean we become passive observers. Instead, it should inspire us to:
1. Trust in God’s guidance rather than worldly systems.
2. Pray for our leaders, recognizing that God can work through them. Even the “bad” ones. (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
3. Engage in the political process with wisdom and discernment, not fear or desperation.
4. Maintain peace even when outcomes don’t align with our preferences.
Realigning Your Priorities
Embracing God’s sovereignty helps us realign our priorities. Instead of placing our security in election year results, we trust in God’s unchanging nature. As Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) reminds us,
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
Adopting this view frees us to:
1. Focus on eternal values rather than temporary political gains.
2. Love and serve others, even those with opposing views.
3. Witness to the hope we have in Christ, which transcends political affiliations.
In times of political uncertainty, let’s remember that our security isn’t found in the policies of a particular administration or the outcome of an election. It’s rooted in the unchanging character of a sovereign God who holds all of history – including our present moment – in His hands.
As we engage in the democratic process, may we do so with the peace and confidence that come from knowing that, regardless of who sits in the seats of earthly power, there is a higher throne that remains eternally unshaken.
Beyond the Ballot: Opportunities for Christian Influence
Hopefully by now we can agree that Christians and politics do work together, and that your candidate cannot save America. And neither can mine. It’s also important to recognize the unique opportunities we have as Christians to make a lasting impact on our society. This impact goes far beyond the voting booth and touches the very heart of our communities.

Historical Perspective
Throughout history, we’ve seen the limitations of human leadership. From great ancient empires to modern superpowers, no human government has proven infallible or eternal. The Bible itself provides numerous examples, and gives us instructions on where to trust:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7, ESV)
This verse was written in a time much like our own: when military might was synonymous with national security. This should remind us that true hope lies beyond human efforts.
So What Does This Mean to Us?
Given this reality, how should we as Christians respond? Here are some practical steps:
1. Examine your heart: Where are you placing your hope? Is it in a political party, a candidate, or in God?
2. Pray for discernment: Ask God to help you navigate political issues with wisdom and grace. Ask for conviction to vote in ways that truly honor Him rather than your own desires.
3. Study Scripture: Dive into passages like Romans 13, 1 Peter 2:13-17, and Matthew 22:15-22 to understand the biblical perspective on government and our responsibilities as citizens.
Unity Amidst Division
What is absolutely heartbreaking in America today is the lack of unity among followers of Jesus. Not over truly meaningful things that should lead to separation, like the deity of Christ, but silly, ridiculous things like worship style and carpet color.
We’re missing the point of being the church. One of the most powerful testimonies we can offer in these divisive times is unity within the body of Christ. Jesus prayed:
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:22-23, ESV)
There is no doubt that in today’s world, there are an alarming number of churches that you should break fellowship with. Many leaders have gone astray and entire denominations have literally become apostate.
By no means should we compromise on the truth of God’s word simply to mend fences with the worldy church across town. However, for those who remain faithful to God’s word, by prioritizing our common faith over political differences, we can:
1. Foster dialogue and understanding within our churches.
2. Present a united front to a watching world.
3. Demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in how we treat those with whom we disagree.
Hope Beyond Elections
As Christians, we have the privilege of offering hope that transcends any political outcome. This hope is rooted in the unshakeable kingdom of God:
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
This eternal perspective allows us to maintain peace and joy regardless of who’s in office and invest in eternal values rather than temporary political gains
By focusing on these areas, we can make a lasting impact that goes far beyond any single election cycle. We have the chance to be salt and light in our communities, to offer hope in times of despair, and to point people to a kingdom that will never fail or fade.
As we engage in the political process, let’s not lose sight of these greater opportunities for influence and transformation. Our ultimate calling is not to win arguments or elections, but to faithfully represent Christ and His kingdom in every aspect of our lives.
Anchored in Eternity: Our Unshakeable Hope
As we’ve journeyed through this exploration of faith, politics, and our role as Christians in a complex world, it’s time to bring our focus back to the unchanging truths that anchor our souls.

Throughout this post, we’ve touched on several crucial points:
1. No political candidate, regardless of their platform or promises, can truly “save” America.
2. God’s sovereignty reigns supreme over all earthly powers and political systems.
3. Our hope and security should be firmly rooted in Christ, not in political outcomes.
4. As Christians, we have unique opportunities to influence our society beyond the ballot box.
The Eternal Perspective
As we face the uncertainties of election seasons and the often tumultuous aftermath, let’s remember the words of the apostle Paul:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV)
This eternal perspective doesn’t negate our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it informs how we engage with them. We participate in the political process, but we do so as citizens of a higher kingdom, ambassadors of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and truth.
A Call to Action
As we conclude, I want to challenge you with these action steps:
1. Pray fervently for our nation, its leaders, and any upcoming election.
2. As Christians engaging in the political process, do so with wisdom, grace, and discernment.
3. Look for opportunities to be salt and light in your community during and long after election cycles.
4. Cultivate unity within the body of Christ, even amidst differences.
5. Share the hope you have in Christ with those who may be anxious or disillusioned about the state of our nation.
Final Encouragement
Remember, our ultimate hope isn’t in the outcome of any election or the policies of any administration. Our hope is in the Lord alone.
As you navigate the often turbulent waters of election seasons, may you be anchored in the unshakeable truth of God’s sovereignty and love. May you find peace in knowing that, regardless of what transpires in the political arena, our God reigns supreme. And may you be empowered to live out your faith in ways that transcend party lines and point others to the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Let us be a people who, in times of uncertainty, political and otherwise, stand firm on the solid rock of our faith, offering hope to a world in need of the unchanging love of our eternal God.
Beautifull. Thank you Gene for reminding us of the truth and hope we have in Him.
Richard, thank you for your encouraging words! I have to remind myself many times every day where I find my hope. May we never lose sight of that!
Good stuff as always Gene. On one point in regards to the California bill on Christian Colleges. If they receive federal or state money, which is tax payer money, then don’t you think they should have to abide by the laws of the state and or the federal government in regards to discriminatory practices? If they don’t receive it then my opinion would be of you don’t like the rules don’t attend. You know the belief in Christianity is in direct opposition to the LGBT views. No reason to start an issue with an institution you don’t have to attend.
Hey Mike, I can kind of see where you’re at with that. If the state is funding a school, then the school has to abide by the state’s policy. But then the authors behind a bill like this are going to be the first ones shouting for separation of church and state, while continuing to try and legislate their brand of morality.
And they’re are not just targeting Christian schools receiving tax money. Why should the state have any say in someone’s belief and convictions? Because that’s what they’re doing here.
I totally agree with you that authentic Christianity and the LGBT agenda are in direct opposition. But it’s not the authentic Christians nor the Christian schools in this case that are starting an issue. It’s the politically liberal agenda to force everyone to accept their way or none at all.
I’ve said on more than one occasion that the most tolerant friend a member of the LGBT community will ever find is an authentic Christian. I believe that and times like these proves that over and over as I watch my gay friends explode with intolerance and hatred. It’s a saddening thing to watch.