The day after the election, I’m reflecting on bigger picture values. I turned off the news programs in which so-called experts are discussing all the nitty-gritty details of why this person won and that one lost and what all that means. Like many people I got caught up in a lot of the hype and drama of this electoral campaign. But now I’m trying to get a bigger view.
Someone on Twitter commented that elections show us what we value as a country. That’s an interesting observation, but I’m not going to go into the politics of that. I’m a Christ-follower with a socially conservative bent, meaning simply that I believe in living out God’s standards for how to best live life, as revealed through his Word, but I also believe in loving people liberally and unconditionally–regardless of how they believe or act. I believe that God knows better than me or you how we can best live this life he’s given us, and I trust him at his Word.
For some reason as I was spending time with God this morning, I started thinking about the word elect. Fascinating word in the New Testament. Jesus used the word (ekloktos in the Greek) numerous times, three times in Matthew 24 where he spoke about what would happen at the end of the age. The word refers to those whom God has selected or chosen to be his own and implies that they are his “favorites.” The Practical Word Studies in the New Testament says, “It means to be one of God’s holy and beloved followers.”
If you are a Christ follower, just sit and let that sink in for a few moments.
You, as part of God’s church, are his elect, his chosen people, holy and loved by him. You are one of his favorites! Not because of good things you have done. You do not need to campaign with God. He has accepted you because of what his Son did for you and because you have believed.
God cares more about who you are than who the current POTUS is. And much more is at stake in this election.
