The presidential election is tomorrow. What are you feeling?
Many are feeling anxious. “What if my candidate does not win?”
Some are feeling angry already: “What if the votes are not counted properly? What if there’s foul play? What if the Russians or the Chinese interfere?”
Others are feeling hopeless: “No matter who wins, the other side will fight the results, legal battles will ensue, and there will be more division than ever.”
So, what is God feeling?
Of course, we can’t know for sure. But consider this timely passage of scripture:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, NIV)
While your eyes are on the election, God’s eyes are on you.
Let’s break this passage down to fully digest it in light of the current moment:
1) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves…”
The conduct of God’s people must never be dependent on the circumstances – even the results of an historic presidential election.
Whatever happens, watch your conduct (behavior and attitudes) – because that’s what God is watching.
And so are others, including your children and others you are hoping to influence for Christ.
Which leads us to the next part of our theme verse…
2) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
We preach the gospel (the good news of salvation through Jesus) by our conduct (behavior and attitudes) to those around us – especially by how we handle adverse circumstances.
God’s people must be “above it all” in one sense. Not that we don’t care – because we do. But that we are primarily citizens of the Kingdom of God. So, “whatever happens” here on earth is not going to affect us nearly as much as those whose primary citizenship is “the world”.
This surrendered attitude and demeanor tells people: “I care about this election, but no matter what happens, it won’t shake my foundation, because my life is built on Jesus Christ.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
The message can never be separated from the messenger. That’s why no matter what happens in this election, we must conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Because if our conduct is unworthy of the gospel, it hinders the gospel message.
So, before you write anything on social media, ask yourself these three questions:
a) “Will anything I say be a stumbling block to others, regardless of their political
party affiliation?”
1. “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be
discredited.” (2 Corinthians 6:3)
2. This includes not causing other Christians to stumble: “Therefore let us stop
passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any
stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Romans 14:13)
b) “Am I speaking and acting like a true follower of Jesus Christ right now?”
1. “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)
c) “Am I conducting myself in a manner worthy of the gospel – in God’s sight?”
1. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and
forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the
Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all
together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
Which leads us to the final part of our theme verse…
3) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, NIV)
It's easy to be unified when we all agree with each other. But how do we do when we disagree?
That’s what God wants to know.
And that’s what others whom you are trying to influence for Christ want to know:
a) “Are you just another Sunday Christian, or are you really different?”
b) “Is your church just a bunch of hypocrites, or are you truly followers of
Jesus?"
c) And from your kids: “Are my parents for real, or is their faith fake?"
Ya, there’s that much on the line when the unity of God’s people is at stake:
1. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
2. “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)
Close
The presidential election is tomorrow. And only God knows how it will go and what will ensue.
But while we watch the election, God is watching us. And so are a lot of other people.
So, let’s rise to the occasion, Church:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, NIV)