I hate to discuss politics and government, and this year is
the worst. It crossed my mind this week that God’s purpose for the United
States and the world in general is not “life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness” or even “one nation under God.” He is not in the business of
promoting earthly comfort, prosperity, or human rights. The stock market is
irrelevant, freedom of religion is an anomaly, and legislation is a poor
attempt to control sin.
God’s purpose is not cultural reformation, but individual
transformation. Cultural reforms can only address superficial behaviors. Only
God can change hearts. God’s purpose is that people would come to faith in Him
for salvation, sanctification, and eternal life. And His purpose for believers
is that we will be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29) and will
make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), looking forward to that Day when He will
“unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10
ESV).
In one sense, it doesn’t really matter who you plan to vote
for (but please vote). God is in control and His purpose will prevail
regardless of who is elected. “But for this purpose I have raised you [Pharaoh]
up, to show you My power, so that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth”
(Exodus 9:16). “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked
for the day of trouble” (Proverbs 16:4). It may be that God is lining up the
players for the last scene of this drama called life. We already know that
things are going to get worse before the Day of Judgment comes. To think that
any elected official can “turn things around” long term is to ignore the overarching
narrative of Scripture.
So as we wait out the election season, although I would like
to pray for godly people to be elected, my real prayer is that God will spur
His children on to love and good deeds, that the Body of Christ will be united
under our true Head, and that God will be glorified by those who choose to
follow Him no matter what may come.
“For the grace of God
has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce
ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and
godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of
the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to
redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own
possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
© 2016 Dawn Rutan.
