Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.
Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.
Proverbs 16: 32-33 The Message
On this Election Day, the Book of Proverbs helps us keep politics in proper perspective. Here, the author reminds us that there are more important things than politics. Yes, politics are important, and I hope that you vote in this election. However, God’s word reminds us that there are more important things than politics. Among them are self-control.
Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the spirit, along with kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, joy, peace, patience and goodness, as found in Galatians 5: 22-23. All of these are not suggestions, but instructions on how we are to lead our lives.
Unfortunately, some abandon many of these fruits of the spirit in their quest for political power. This is true of all political parties. However, we are not saved by our politics. Nor are we damned by them. We are saved by the Lord.
In the final verse of Proverbs 16, the author reminds us that we can make our motions, and cast our votes, but ultimately God is in charge. This statement by the author of Proverbs serves as a “bookend” with the opening verse of this chapter of Proverbs, which states,
“Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.”
Proverbs 16: 1 The Message
How often have we learned this truth? We may feel surprised when we realize that we are ultimately not in control. Perhaps this lesson may be one of the things that 2020 has taught us most: with the pandemic, and shutdowns, and so many more unexpected and unpleasant events, many of our personal plans have been cancelled, or rescheduled, or simply abandoned.
Yet there has been a silver lining. I have heard many families talk about more time with their families, less hectic schedules, and more effort put into relationships with close family and friends. Who would have thought that “Zoom” would have become such a common verb? God is, and will be in charge of our lives, and everyone else’s lives as well.
Maybe 2020 is the year when life experiences teach us, once again, that we should not worship at the idol of any political power, or our own personal plans and calendars. While many candidates may deserve and get our votes, only one person is worthy of our worship. That person, of course, is Jesus Christ. So, today, cast your vote, but cast all your cares upon Jesus. He alone is worthy of our praise, honor and worship.
Prayer
Faithful Lord,
Today we ask that You watch over our nation. May our lives exhibit the fruits of the spirit so they are visible to others. Let our nation honor You, in giving voice to all, but also following the path towards peace and self-control. Protect and shelter the vulnerable. Let us all be instruments of Your peace.
We pray this prayer faithfully in the name of Your Son, and our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
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