Read Time: 4 min 53 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

POLITICS

12 More Days

In case the yard signs and constant ads weren’t enough of a tipoff, there’s an election coming up!

In fact, it's already started in most states. Almost 40 states have kicked off early voting, where residents can submit their ballots early in person or by mail. 

With 12 days until November 5 (Election Day), surveys of voters (aka polls) show a neck-and-neck presidential race. Vice President Harris has a very small lead over former President Trump in national polls. Polls are always a little bit different from final election results... so the candidates are pretty much tied.

Elon Musk is trying to tip the scales toward former President Trump. He’s paying voters in Pennsylvania $100 to sign a petition supporting free speech and the right to bear arms. Every day, he’s choosing one person from the petition to win $1 million. Critics are saying it’s like paying people to vote (which is illegal).

When the election’s over… it might not be over. Both campaigns are suiting up for legal battles over the fairness of the election. Dozens of cases have already been filed over mail-in ballots and whether voters registered correctly.

__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Believers shouldn’t let elections consume our thoughts or change our moods. The leaders in the White House may change, but our mission won’t change: love God and love others. 

“Jesus answered, ‘The most important [commandment] is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.’” 
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Whose voices are the loudest in your life?

During election season, politicians are constantly fighting for our attention and allegiance. Whether you’re swept up in the political tangle or more focused on other voices like celebrities or influencers, be mindful of whom you’re listening to. 

Jesus’s voice should be the most prominent in believers’ lives. We’re called to follow him and be his disciples—not disciples of politicians, celebrities, or social media influencers. Our devotion to him is to be so complete that it makes other loves in our lives look like hatred: “[Jesus] turned and said to [the large crowds that were following him], ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple’” (Luke 14:25-27 CSB). Oof. That’s some serious commitment.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
Live as an exile and stranger in your earthly home. 

The apostle Peter puts it best (obviously): “Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits” (1 Peter 2:11-12 CSB).

Political engagement is a good thing. But Christians are fundamentally “strangers” here. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20 CSB), so it’s fitting that we would direct most of our energy toward the campaigns of our true home.

• Make a yard sign to mark your home’s first identity. Maybe a fish or a crown could start a great conversation with neighbors!

• Memorize Philippians 3:20, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (CSB).

• Pray for your elected leaders—for peace and unity in your community—for God’s will to be done in the election, and for help living as an exile and stranger in the world.

RECOMMENDED

How We’re Bringing the Bible to Life
By Gifting The Action Bible*

Many children living in impoverished places or countries where it can be dangerous to be a Christian have never had a Bible of their own. We have an opportunity to change that.

David C Cook is giving out copies of The Action Bible—designed specifically to speak to a child’s heart in age-appropriate ways—in these challenging, hard-to-reach areas. They’re seeing kids read their Action Bible nonstop, often staying up late or foregoing other activities to spend time in God’s Word because they’re so enthralled.

For just $7, you can give a copy of The Action Bible to a child in Africa and be a part of bringing the Bible to life!

Advertise with us

*sponsored

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

All synched up…