On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, millions of Americans exercised one of the most sacred and precious freedoms on the face of the earth: the right to vote. As our nation reflects on the results of this week’s election, one of the closest in our time, we’re reminded of a truth that transcends any outcome: Jesus is Lord. He is, was, and always will be on the throne, unchanging and unshaken by earthly events. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” As Christians, we stand on this assurance: our hope is ultimately in Christ, who reigns over all, not in or through any one political figure or government. Whether Vice President Kamala Harris or Former President Donald Trump is elected, Jesus is Lord.  

In these times of change and uncertainty, it’s essential to refocus on the call that Jesus gave us—to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Regardless of our political leanings, we are bound together by the love of Christ and the call to love each other with grace and compassion. This commitment to love is not based on agreement but on the unifying power of God’s Spirit within us. 

Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven. While we respect and engage in our earthly responsibilities, we do so knowing that our true allegiance lies with the Kingdom of God. This perspective invites us to rise above the differences of our worldly affiliations and to seek the greater good, as ambassadors of Christ’s love. Consider this quote from “The American Baptist Bill of Rights” which was a collaboration in 1939 between The National Baptist Convention, The Northern Baptist Convention, and The Southern Baptist Convention:

We acknowledge ourselves to be citizens of two commonwealths, one earthly, the United Stated, the other heavenly, the Kingdom of God; and we claim the right to be good citizens of both. We recognize the sovereignty of the state and we give allegiance to the state, but we cannot give to the state the control of our consciences. We must obey God rather than humans.  

Walter Shurden, ed., Proclaiming the Baptist Vision: Religious Liberty, Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 1997, p. 99. 

How can we rise above our differences? Let me suggest two ways:  

First, in Prayer. Let us remember the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Whether or not we feel personally aligned with our newly elected leaders, we’re called to lift them up in prayer. By doing so, we trust God’s sovereignty, asking for His wisdom, guidance, and grace to lead our nation and promote justice, peace, and the general welfare of all people. 

Second, in this post-election season, let us be witnesses of Christ’s unchanging love, unity, and hope. We do this by embodying his character, given in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) and bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Let’s live out our calling to be peacemakers, encouragers, and examples of the love that Jesus demonstrated so powerfully.  

My prayer is that we, as a church, would be marked by our commitment to a higher purpose and a greater love that goes beyond our differences and unites us in the name of Jesus for such a time as this. 

In Christ’s care and service,