Tuesday, November 3, is election day in the U.S. Among the most cherished privileges of adult citizens is that we are allowed to vote freely, to add our voice to that of our neighbors in collectively determining the leadership and direction of our city/town, state, and nation.
In the last weeks and days of current campaigns, things turn decidedly negative. We are urged not to vote for a candidate or to vote against them. As we listen to accusations of poor policy, character, or actions which encourage us to vote in self-righteous condemnation, I would advise us to practice election confession. As we head to the polls, let's ask God to search us for sin, as did David when he wrote, search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in The Way Everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). And let's remember God's verdict, in case we think we're clean and clear: there is none righteous, no not one; there is none who understands, who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no not one (Romans 3:10-12). We vote on our knees before God and each other.
And as we consider which candidate or what principles or policies we should vote for, again, I urge election confession, in this case, the good confession of faith: Christ Jesus is Lord. (Philippians 2:11). Jesus, the human who participated in the responsibilities of His society (Matthew 17:27), is both Christ, The One appointed for all time to be the world's Savior, and Lord, The One who rules all people, states, and nations, including our own. Let's practice the election confession of Jesus' Sovereignty over our nation's history past and present as Christ, and over our collective present and future as Lord. We vote in confidence that He rules all.
Of ourselves, we deserve a government rife with sin, which it is. Of God's Mercy, we are part of His Government which saves us and our nation. Let's confess both this election cycle.