To say that 2024 has been eventful is an understatement. Amid an upcoming election, southwest Florida (and the southeastern US) is currently cleaning up from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton. The resiliency and servant-heartedness of the people that are a part of our community is amazing to see in action. Our church family has been faithfully serving the needs of our communities. In the darkest of times, the church should shine brightest. Not only do we see this in times of hurricane cleanup but also, currently, in this season of national turmoil over the upcoming election. Many are weary, including myself, at times over the past few days.
The 2024 election is nineteen days away. I receive questions, comments and criticism often regarding politics. Some are in-person and other times over email and social media. You might be thinking, “Wait a minute Josh, are you getting political?” Some believe that Pastors shouldn’t speak about politics while others have a different opinion. It is true that politics can quickly divide people, including friends and family. According to God’s Word, my main goal is not to live to please people, but ultimately to please God (Galatians 1:10). I’d like to share some of my biblical convictions from God’s Word on how we can prayerfully participate and prepare for the upcoming election.
God’s Word Guides Our Decisions
I have shared often the past few months in my sermons that we are to vote biblically and pray for our nation to come to Christ. As a Pastor and more importantly, a follower of Jesus Christ, my responsibility is to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Scripture teaches that as a Pastor, I need to be ready to equip and help the church for the moment of history we are living.
One issue (amongst many others) that is on the ballot that God clearly speaks about is the sanctity of human life. In Florida, we have an opportunity to protect the unborn by Voting No on Amendment #4. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Jeremiah 1:5 says, “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born…” (Additional scripture: Psalm 22:10, Proverbs 31:8, Luke 1:41-44, Isaiah 49:1). Every person is created in the image of God at conception and deserves the right to live and thrive. People deserve life outside of the womb as well as inside the womb. The most vulnerable deserve the most protection since they are voiceless and helpless. Our church partners with incredible ministries like Pregnancy Solutions and Better Together, who dedicate their ministries to the most vulnerable. We also provide support to help with after abortion care and recovery.
Adrian Rogers once wisely said, “It is better to be divided by truth than united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals than falsehood that comforts and then kills. It is better to be hated for telling the truth than loved for telling a lie. It is better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with the multitude.”
God’s Word Anchors Our Hope
My eternal hope is not in who is in the White House, but who sits on the Throne of Heaven. Some days I experience anxiety, as I’m sure you do, over all that is happening in our world. God has continually reminded me that political results or candidates do not redeem or save humanity. God’s Word calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to influence the world for Jesus Christ. Our world is in desperate need of the healing power of the gospel. Spiritual, relational, emotional, physical, and mental decay is prevalent. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform people and a nation. The White House has great influence on our nation, but the Kingdom of God supersedes all human authority in the entire world. No matter the election results, our ultimate trust and allegiance is in God who has called us to live on mission by making disciples of all the nations until Christ returns.
God’s Word Calls Us To Maintain Unity
As important as an election is for our country, we must remember that biblical unity matters deeply. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3, “making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Even though some might disagree with what I’m sharing, we should never lose sight of the calling we have to love God and love people. Unity does not negate truth. As we live by God’s Word, we are called to treat others with grace and truth - yes, even those we disagree with - in a Christlike manner.
God’s Word Calls Us To Pray
Our nation needs a mighty move of God. My prayer is that this election season will reveal what is true over lies. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” In Matthew 6:10 Jesus prayed, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” As we commit to pray for the election, our elected officials, let our heart cry be for more people to find and follow Jesus Christ more than ever before. What our country and world needs most is heart change through salvation in Jesus.
As we come to election 2024, I want to encourage you to do your research and vote. But also pray for opportunities to share and show the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.
Let’s vote biblically, informed and most importantly, pray for our nation to experience revival and many to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Election Resources:
Christian Florida election guide
Presidential election candidate comparison
Florida Senate election candidate comparison
My Faith Votes
Pastor Heath Lambert on amendment #4 - WATCH
