A popular Christian political expression advises, “Don’t let the donkey or the elephant distract you from the Lamb!” Election season has arrived, and suddenly everybody is a political expert! The television debates, social media arguments, yard signs, and family conversations can make it seem as though the fate of our souls rests on a ballot. Beloved, the donkey and the elephant may symbolize political parties, but neither one died on Calvary. Only the Lamb did!
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, ESV). He did not point to a candidate, a party headquarters, or a campaign platform. He pointed to our Savior. Christians may hold strong political convictions, but our deepest allegiance belongs to Christ.
Some people wonder whether faithful Christians should participate in civic affairs at all. However, Jesus offers this wisdom in Matthew 22:21, ESV: “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” His answer concerned paying taxes under Roman rule, yet it reminds us that civic responsibilities and devotion to God are not identical. Cast your vote thoughtfully, honor your responsibilities, and never give any earthly leader the worship reserved for God.
Please read and ponder these five very important reminders for this and all other election seasons:
▪ Listen before responding. A different opinion is not an invitation to insult someone.
▪ Check facts before sharing accusations; falsehoods do not become holy because we agree with them.
▪ Disagree without disrespect; no candidate is worth destroying a friendship or dividing a congregation.
▪ Pray for our leaders and communities, including people whose views differ from ours.
▪ Remember that after Election Day, we must still work, worship, and love our neighbors together.
James 1:19, ESV instructs believers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Imagine how many broken relationships might survive election season if we practiced that instruction! Ephesians 4:32, ESV adds, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” Political passion never excuses a cruel tongue, and Christian conviction never requires contempt.
An election should never turn the family dinner table into a battlefield or the church fellowship hall into enemy territory. When tempers rise, ask whether winning an argument is worth wounding someone Jesus commanded you to love deeply.
Let us defend our principles without surrendering our character. Vote with an informed mind and a prayerful heart, but do not allow party loyalty to overpower our Christian identity. Elections determine who holds public office for a season; Jesus remains Lord beyond every election.
If your political party wins the election but your anger costs you a brother, a sister, or your Christian witness, what exactly have you won? Remain grounded in the Word, and never leave home without Him!
