By Arnie Cole, CEO
“It’s the end of Christianity as we know it in the United States if he doesn’t win the election.” I totally freaked out when my grandpa made such a bold statement with tears in his eyes. According to one of the most important people in my life, this was the most important election ever held in the history of the United States. “And if a Catholic wins, it’s all over….”
Now all of these years later, once again, we find ourselves in another intense and polarizing presidential election cycle. It’s hard not to feel the weight of what’s happening around us. The airwaves are filled with pundits, news reports, and social media chatter about who should lead our nation. Just like when I was 10, the future of policies, laws, and cultural norms seem to hang in the balance again. It’s so easy to get swept up in the noise and pressure, feeling as though everything depends on who takes the White House.
However, as Christians, we are called to step back and remember something crucial: while politics is one sphere of human life, it is not the most important one. It certainly plays a role in shaping society, but a higher reality supersedes the political arena—the spiritual dimension of our lives.
Politics is Temporal, Our Mission is Eternal
The political landscape of any nation is constantly shifting. New leaders political involvement is not inherently wrong—in fact, it is part of being a responsible citizen—it is vital that we guard our hearts against placing too much of our hope in human leaders. rise, old leaders fall, and policies come and go. However, the Kingdom of God stands unshaken through it all. Scripture reminds us that while human governments are temporary, God’s reign is eternal. Isaiah 40:8 puts it clearly: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
What this means for us Christ Followers is that while we may care about the political outcomes and be involved in shaping the future of our country, we must never forget that our ultimate allegiance is to a King whose Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The church has always thrived, not because of favorable political conditions, but because the Spirit of God sustains it. A government that is friendly to Christian values or not— our mission does not change.
Our Primary Identity is in Christ, Not a Political Party
In today’s divided political climate, there is a temptation to align our identity too closely with a political party or a specific leader. While political involvement is not inherently wrong—in fact, it is part of being a responsible citizen—it is vital that we guard our hearts against placing too much of our hope in human leaders.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The truth is that no president or political party, no matter how great or flawed, can fulfill the deep needs of the human heart. Only Christ can bring true healing, justice, and peace.
When we lose sight of this, we risk losing our witness. Our research for NRB has shown that when Christians get too political, unbelievers tune us out. We run the real risk of viewing people on the other side of the aisle as enemies rather than human beings created in the image of God.
The Election’s Outcome Will Not Change Our Mission
As we prepare for the outcome of the election, it’s natural to feel anxious about what the future holds. But no matter who becomes president, our calling remains unchanged. Jesus’ hasn’t changed our purpose for being here: “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” (Matthew 28:19). This mission is timeless. The work of making disciples, caring for people in need, and being the hands and feet of Jesus continues.
The Gospel doesn’t depend on favor able political circumstances. The early church flourished under Roman rule, often in the face of persecution. And in places today where governments are hostile to Christianity, the church grows. We must never forget that God’s work in the world is not limited by human politics.
How Should We Engage?
This doesn’t mean we should disengage from the political process. On the contrary, as stewards of the freedom and influence we’ve been given, we should prayerfully participate. Voting is an important responsibility, and it’s one way we can help shape our communities and country for the better.
But as we engage, let’s do so knowing that politics is not the ultimate solution to the world’s problems—Jesus is. Let’s remain anchored in God’s Word and seek to be voices of truth, love, and grace in a world that often resorts to bitterness and division.
A Time for Prayer
Finally, let’s pray for the candidates, our country’s leaders, and those on the other side of the political aisle. Most importantly, pray for the church—that we would remain focused on our mission and that our love for God and for others would shine brightly in this turbulent time. No matter the outcome of this election, God is still on His throne, and His purposes will prevail. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and remember that our calling is to love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and invite those around us to do so as well.
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