Election Day is upon us. Tens of millions of Americans have already voted. The 2024 election season (thankfully) comes to an end officially on Tuesday, November 5. The winner of the election will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. That person will either be Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.
Most Americans — at least those who care — have strong opinions about who it should be. I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t have opinions. When I look at the issues in play, and then I look at the Bible, many of the issues and considerations are crystal clear — or at least should be. If you want to know more about that, read these articles…
- “Let’s Talk About Politics”
- “What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?”
- “How Do You Know if You Have a Biblical Worldview?”
It’s okay to have beliefs and convictions. It’s good to vote. But…
Don’t worry.
Don’t worry about the outcome. Don’t worry about whether we’ll be living in America under President Harris or (once again) President Trump. Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about who controls Congress or any of that.
How can you say that? The stakes are high!
Yes, the stakes ARE high. But I’m not the one saying it. The Apostle Paul said it.
Yeah, well, he didn’t understand American politics.
That’s true, although he DID understand Roman politics (which were even crazier). But, if Paul were living in the US in 2024, would that change what he said in this verse?
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6, KJV
Now, the word “careful” comes from the Greek word μεριμνάω (merimnao). This word is often translated in more contemporary English translations as “anxious” or “worry.” It literally means to be “pulled in different directions” or “distracted by care.”
Paul is saying don’t be worried. Don’t be distracted in your anxiety. Don’t get all bent out of shape or pulled in multiple directions. And the scope of that includes American politics. Why? Because he says “for nothing.” Be μεριμνάω (merimnao) for nothing! That includes politics. It includes American politics.
It’s not just Paul, though. Jesus says the same thing as part of His Sermon on the Mount.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34, KJV
Jesus’ command to take no thought (which was originally uttered in Aramaic, then written in Greek, and then translated for us into English) can be rendered as “do not be anxious” or “do not worry.” The verb μεριμνάω (merimnao) is the same root used in Philippians 4:6 and means “to be anxious” or “to worry.” Here, Jesus commands His followers to stop worrying about the future, discouraging a mindset fixated on anticipated needs or troubles.
I have opinions about American politics. We all do. But our Lord says we are to not worry about tomorrow. We are to instead seek God, trust Him, and stay focused on what He has called us to do.
Whether Trump wins or Harris wins, Jesus is still my Lord. And this country is still my mission field. I’m still a pilgrim passing through. My identity and calling are still the same.
The same is true for you.
And God is still in control. 🙂
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