Nov. 6, 2012

Barring a replay of 2000, the 2012 presidential election will be over this time next week. For better or for worse, it will be over.

Half the nation will be disappointed on Nov. 7, and the other half will be ecstatic. I’ve joked about dancing in the streets if I find myself in the latter half.

The reasons people choose a particular individual to rule over them range from the superficial to the profound. Some think deeply about their choice, while others don’t. As WORLD editor in chief Marvin Olasky wrote in the current issue’s cover story, “an election within a tightly divided nation is from a materialist standpoint a crapshoot, and from a Christian worldview perspective one that inquires intense prayer along with trust in God’s providential guidance of all that happens.”

As I prepare myself for either outcome, I will pray for our leaders, even those whose values don’t align with mine. I will pray for their salvation, which the Bible tells me is good and acceptable in God’s sight. Christians can find assurance in knowing all is unfolding according to God’s plan. Even so, we should vote, and not with the “lesser of two evils” attitude.

God has appointed rulers over us, and we are subject to these governing authorities. It doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t fight the injustice of abortion or the perversion of redefining marriage to include two people of the same sex, for instance. It also doesn’t mean that the person in power has the authority to oppress us. We’re all accountable to God, even our “kings.”

Like the poor, political contention will always be with us. As long as we have a system in which the people vote, there will always be competition for those votes. Political rivalry and jockeying will persist as long as America remains divided between those who favor small government and those who favor huge government.

After a fitful night of watching or avoiding watching election returns, should you wake up disappointed on Nov. 7, don’t be bitter or depressed. No matter who wins the election, as the saying goes, Christ will still be king. As Olasky wrote, “The consolation in all this is not a little cross on paper but the wooden cross on a hill 2,000 years ago, and the knowledge that Christ died for us in our arrogance and folly and evil inclinations.”

Remember that as you scan the headlines or ignore them. Stay focused on this good news while you endure leaders who support all that you oppose, leaders who’ll try to convince you that what the Bible teaches is sinful actually is good, leaders who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. His wrath is being revealed.