November 3rd has come and gone. While the official certification of the election does not occur until January 6, 2021, by all accounts, it appears former Vice President Joe Biden will become our nation’s 46th President. In his speech on Saturday, November 7th, President Elect Biden said, “I’ll work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me as those who did.” He quoted from the book of Ecclesiastes, “The Bible tells us, ‘to everything there is a season: a time to build, a time to reap, and a time to sow and a time to heal.’ This is the time to heal in America.” He called for unity saying, “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again.” (Read the full transcript of the speech here.)
While I find these comments encouraging, I remain convinced that the Bible opposes portions of the Democrat party platform that includes the following:
“We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion.” (Emphasis mine) Page 32
“Democrats will reverse this rulemaking and restore nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS in health insurance, including coverage of all medically necessary care for gender transition.” (Emphasis mine) Page 33
“We will work to ensure LGBTQ+ people are not discriminated against when seeking to adopt or foster children, protect LGBTQ+ children from bullying and assault, and guarantee transgender students’ access to facilities based on their gender identity.” (Emphasis mine) Page 42
Each provides a stark contrast to orthodox biblical norms and Christian values. See Psalm 139:13-16; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:5
Having said that, in a desire to lean into the orthodox biblical norms and Christian values just referenced, I want to challenge you to join me in the following.
Call to mind that the person that sits in the Oval Office pales compared to our eternal God who sits enthroned in heaven. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2
Remember that God’s sovereignty includes political elections and He ultimately controls the decisions of rulers. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; Daniel 2:21a and The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Proverbs 21:1
Christians should display love for all. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Our primary mandate has not changed. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
For me, going forward, I will, by God’s grace. . .
Joyfully worship and faithfully serve the everlasting God who establishes rulers and controls their decisions according to His purposes.
Love those with whom I differ and pray for them, especially those in positions of authority. President Elect Biden and Vice President Harris should have a prominent place on the prayer list of every Christian.
Avoid incendiary social media that fuels anger, suspicion, and mistrust rather than seeks common ground for the good of others.
Recommit myself to be a faithful witness for Christ and His power to rescue anyone from sin and death. This includes building relationships and seeking to have meaningful conversations with those with whom I differ ideologically. Winning or losing elections are enormously insignificant compared to winning or losing a soul.
Will you join me?
Pastor Chuck