I had such a wonderful conversation with my Indo daughter this morning, laughing and chatting. At one point, she asked me what my thoughts were (on this Saturday morning) before I cast a vote on Tuesday. As we talked, I was so aware of the difference in perspective she had as a present “foreigner”. Just as people who have no interest in sports don’t relate to my love for football (it doesn’t affect them in any way), Indonesian people have very little opinion about what is happening in our nation on Tuesday. And yet US Christians are responding these days with fear, anger, and gut-wrenching dread of the future if one candidate wins over another, as if God may not be involved in the outcome of this election (2 Sam 1, Daniel 2, Pms 33 and 82, Rom 13).

While I believe that as a citizen of this country, I have an opportunity (maybe even responsibility) to be a part of the political process, I believe the greater good is accomplished through my personal relationships on a daily basis. The kingdom I ultimately serve is not a worldly one, but a spiritual one. There are many issues to consider in any election and this one is no different. And I also agree with many others that this election will probably effect the future of the moral fiber of our nation – positively or negatively.
So I am prayerful and hopeful that God will use His people to usher in His kingdom, and to that end that this election will serve His purpose. Also, I admit that the most important issue for me this year is the issue of human life and its value, and my vote will reflect that.

But my thoughts about this election and my desires for our nation are much more geared toward the hearts of its people than its laws, policies, or even leaders. I have been reading in the last few days a plethora of varied thoughts and opinions of passionate Christian thinkers regarding the upcoming election. And while many have some poignant thoughts and considerations, SBC columnist David Rogers speaks what I am feeling most intelligently and biblically than all the others:

“In general, I believe when we present any political position as “the Christian position” without clear biblical support for that position, we are guilty of dividing the Body of Christ. As Christians, we may take personal stances on these issues, but we must be careful to do so humbly, in a way that makes clear they are personal stances, not stances we are claiming ought to be representative of the entire Christian community.
Changing society, or changing the world, or saving America is not our ultimate aim. Our ultimate aim is simply changing hearts, changing lives, and giving glory to God. If, as a by-product, society is changed for the better, fine and well, but that is not our ultimate aim. And once we make it our ultimate aim, I believe we have undermined our true ultimate aim: changing hearts, changing lives, and giving glory to God.
Personally, I believe that voting for pro-life candidates is consistent with this objective, and for that reason it is one of the most important (probably the most important) consideration for me when it comes time to decide who to vote for.
But, also, there may be some methods of saving innocent lives that are more consistent with a … commitment to change hearts, and others that are less so. When faced with such a choice, we should opt for the method that is more consistent with a commitment to change hearts.
In the long run, I believe it is likely that more innocent lives will be saved and abortions avoided as a result of biblical evangelism and discipleship than by political activism…
In any case, I don’t lie awake at night worrying about it though. My future is in God’s hands, not the White House’s.”

For a child has been born to us, a Son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will be vast and He will bring immeasurable prosperity.
He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore.
The Lord’s intense devotion to His people will accomplish this…
And the angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid.”
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. (NET)