3 Ways to Place Jesus above Politics

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen our country so divided.

People are planting their stakes in the ground, living on opposite ends of the spectrum, taking specific sides as the chasm between fellow image-bearers grows.

Families and friends are putting themselves at odds. Relationships are cracking. All the while, our enemy is laughing behind the curtain, certain his plans will prevail.

He is hoping we won’t figure him out.

Well I, for one, won’t have it. 

I see his schemes, and I’m prepared to expose his lies in full.

1. Remember Who Reigns

Because of the fall our world is broken. Our people are worried and hurting.

The heartbreaking issues we see before us are crucial, relating to life and death. Injustice and fairness. Health and sickness. Safety and unrest.

In reality, these issues have existed ever since the creation of man. But Satan has picked up his game, hoping we will position our trust in all the wrong places.

But God has not left His children helpless. He’s granted us the gift of discernment, the ability to wade through the enemy’s muck and determine what is right. When we look at things from heaven’s lens, a change in perspective happens.

We realize we don’t have faith in a political system. We don’t trust in the perfection of any president. We don’t put our confidence in a particular candidate, agenda or organization.

No. Instead, we place our lives in the love-scarred hands of the One who sits on the throne.

No matter who wins this election, Jesus will reign as King.

And that is incredibly good news! From eternity’s standpoint, it does not matter which party we support. All that counts is whether we stand true to our Savior.

If we stand behind His Word and the life He came to give, no barrage of attacks or persecution will be able to bring our confidence in the Cross down.

Jesus didn’t die in order for us to be Republican or Democrat or Independent. He died to defeat death and wash away the stain of sin. When Jesus resurrected from the grave, He ushered in our victory song. Christ’s blood guarantees our triumph over every circumstance, no matter who is in charge on earth. We will rise above each obstacle sent by Satan because God has already brought him low.

Regardless of what happens here, by God’s grace, we have already overcome.

2. Represent Our Creator, Not a Candidate

So many times we let the worries and hardships in our lives overshadow heaven’s reality. We forget we do not belong to this world.

We belong to a holy Kingdom--one that is alive and moving and making everything right.

Personally, I am not too political, except on a few key issues. I don’t want to be seen on this side or that. Instead, I pray others would see me as powerful force for the truths of the gospel.

I want my children to see I loved others the way my Savior loves me. I want to show my friends and family what compassion, care and conviction really mean. I want to represent and reflect the image of my Creator--the merciful Reconciler and Redeemer of the broken.

When people look at me, I want them to know and see God.

3. Live to Please God, Not a Party

No political party is faultless. Neither side is immune to flaws. And that’s okay. Only One reigns in perfection. We were never meant to depend on the government for wisdom and restoration.

That right belongs to God, and Scripture tells us our loyalty should stand with our Lord.

The Bible says, “And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:17 NLT)

And what pleases God?

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT)

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10 ESV)

As God’s treasured kids, it is our honor to be His hands, feet and words to this suffering world. It is our mission to let others know about the goodness we can experience in Him and the beauty of knowing God more. But we cannot do this, or please God, without having FAITH…

Not faith in ourselves or humanity or the systems we have made. Instead, we place Jesus above everything else and anchor our faith in Him. He will never let us down. His kindness will never sway. His heart remains tied to the ones He calls and loves.

Where Will We Place Our Hope?

This world is fading away. What we physically see is not promised. I think 2020 has made that abundantly clear! But the unseen realities of our Father’s Kingdom will never fail.

And so, Dear Reader, take a big breath and let the heavy tension lighten. Take in the deep peace that this world can never give. We will vote on election day for the person we think is best. But remember as God’s children, we’ll put our hope in what will last.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Enterline Design Services LLC.

Becky Beresford lives in Huntley, IL and is happily outnumbered by her husband and three wild boys. She is a writer and speaker with a Master’s Certificate in Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. Becky loves encouraging God’s Daughters to embrace their truest selves in Christ and walk out the gospel truths empowered by God. She would love to connect with you online at BeckyBeresford.com, where you can grab a FREE copy of the Brave Woman Manifesto: Five Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard. Feel free to follow her and the weekly Brave Women Series on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.