It can be a dangerous proposition to delve into the realm of faith and politics. With the risk of offending some of my readers, let me cut right to it. Christians are spending too much time following the election and politics in general.

This “election obsession” is creating anxiety. And I would argue unnecessary anxiety. I have been following US presidential elections ever since 2000 (who could forget that one) and each election we are reminded of what is at stake. “This is the most important election in the nation’s history!” We hear that from political pundits and candidates alike. And yes, it is true, there is a lot at stake in this election, but probably not as much as we think. God is guiding history according to his predetermined plans. The Bible says, “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Daniel 4:17). “The King’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Prov. 21:1) 

In many ways, elections remind us of our own powerlessness. 1 vote out of 140 million plus that will be cast doesn’t count for much. Even here in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, it won’t be decided by one vote. It may come down to a few thousand, but it won’t be decided by my vote or yours.

To be clear, I am not saying, “don’t bother voting – you’re wasting your time.” But for those of you who are particularly engaged and worked up about the election – relax. If you are spending two hours a day watching the news, checking your news feed on your smartphone, and reading political commentary, then that’s too much. You are wasting time. Don’t completely disengage and be uninformed, but I would counsel you to pull back.  

There are plenty of other, more profitable and edifying ways to spend your time. Consider the following:

Read your Bible.

Spend time with your family.

Go for a walk.

Call a friend or loved one.

Pray for our governing authorities and their salvation (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Pray for your pastor.

Play a game.

Sing a song or hymn

Not everyone reading this is hyper-engaged in the election and all things politics. I realize that. But some of you are. Naturally, your election obsession is going to lead to heightened anxiety at times. You see an unfavorable poll, and you get stressed. Your blood pressure rises. You start to worry about what the world will be like when your kids and grandkids grow up if things continue going as they are.   

Remember, God is sovereign. He’s got this. He is working history to his predetermined ends. Isaiah 46:9-10 says, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”

This passage should bring great comfort to the Christian. In our anxious, chaotic, change-saturated world, we need to cling to the fact that God is on His throne, reigning and ruling, controlling history according to His sovereign decree. We also need to remember that this world is not our home. If you are “in Christ” and have been born again to a living hope, then you are a citizen of another world (Philippians 3:20). If you are fed up with all the political bickering and bantering, that’s actually a good thing because God never meant us to be too cozy with this present, fallen world.

This is not an article where I tell you how to vote. I have chimed in the past when it comes to specific issues, but the vast majority of you, like me, already have your mind made up. Every election has curveballs and surprises that affect and even upend the election. In fact, the 2024 election may have taken it to a whole new level. Bank on more curveballs in the lead up to November 5^th. But no matter what happens in the next month, and no matter who wins, it is going to be okay. Why? Because Jesus is Lord!

It is highly doubtful that 50 years from now, people will look back and say that this was the election doomed America. Nor is it likely they will look back and say this was the election that saved America. It is all too easy to get into a mindset where we fear earthly leaders more than we fear God. So too is it easy to operate as if this world were our true home, without the hope of heaven. That’s where we must remember the words of Jesus. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

For the Christian, America is not our true home. God has something much, much better in store for us! Why would we be consumed and obsessed with current events and political affairs when God is preparing a glorious home for us (John 14:1-3)?

If your name is written in heaven, and the Lamb’s book of life, it is going to show. You will be preoccupied with the King’s business. Don’t waste the precious time God has given you obsessing over every little twist and turn of the election cycle. Instead, labor in the service of your Master. Ephesians 5:15-16 sums it up nicely. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise by as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”