Text: Psalm 62:1-2
Our country has just endured a difficult and divisive Presidential election. Now that it is over, there will be ongoing challenges and changes that will take place. However, there are certain things that have not changed since the election – and they will not change.
Our Citizenship Is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
- There are advantages that come with US citizenship – it’s also fine to take advantage of it (cf. Acts 22:22-29; 25:9-12); but our citizenship in heaven is far more important
- As Christians, we have been transferred into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13) – a heavenly one (John 18:36); one that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28)
Our Society Is Still Plagued by Sin (Isaiah 24:5)
- Sin is like a pollution in the land – far more severe than any environmental concerns; sin and its influence spread (1 Corinthians 5:6); it gets progressively worse (2 Timothy 3:13)
- Electing the “right” leaders will not eradicate abortion, homosexuality, racism, terrorism, laziness, etc. – we must shine as lights in a corrupt generation (Philippians 2:15-16); remain pure and be an example (1 Peter 2:11-12)
The Divinely-Given Role of Government (Romans 13:3-4)
- We discussed this recently, so we won’t spend much time on this point here
- We may have different opinions about what we want government to do – but the role God gave hasn’t changed; leaders are to punish evil and protect the innocent (Romans 13:3-4) and provide/maintain an environment of freedom and peace (1 Timothy 2:2)
Our Need to Be Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
- It seems that our society is more sharply divided now than before – even brethren are divided over matters of opinion (voting, masks, assembling,* etc.); this should not be (Romans 14:19)
- We need to work to “live in peace with one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) – help one another do this (Philippians 4:2-3); also work to help others enjoy peace with God (Ephesians 2:13-16) by sharing the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)
Our Responsibility to Continue Serving God (Revelation 2:10)
- The church in Smyrna was going to suffer persecution, but they needed to remain faithful – we must finish our course if we hope to receive our reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18; cf. Ephesians 1:21) – so obey Him in all things (Matthew 28:19-20); His word trumps the laws of men (Acts 5:29); do not fear whatever might come (Matthew 10:28)
The Uncertainty of the Future (James 4:13-16)
- James warned about planning for the future and ignoring that much is out of our control – the same principle applies to the future of this country; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow
- There are many who have made bold predictions about what WILL happen for different outcomes – yet we cannot know that with certainty (Ecclesiastes 8:7; 9:11); so exercise wisdom (Matthew 10:16); we can know what God has told us about our future (Acts 17:31), so be ready for that day
Conclusion
- Regardless of the election’s outcome or what changes may be in store, some things haven’t changed
- This list isn’t exhaustive (it’s not even completely the same as the one I presented four years ago) – but these are some points we need to remember
- Let’s not allow the future of the US or the state of political affairs choke out the word (Luke 8:14) – this is not to say we bury our heads in the sand, but don’t lose sight of what is most important
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* Note: Whether or not we assemble is not a matter of opinion. The New Testament is clear that God expects us to come together. But there are matters of opinion related to the assembly (assemble in the building or outside, seating arrangements, how to distribute the Lord’s Supper elements, the length of assemblies, etc.).
