Around this time every four years, I start seeing articles with titles like, “How Should Christians Think About Voting?”
While I in no way want to disparage the writers of these articles, I think that it would be wise for Christians to consider not just how to vote but what to do the day after.
American culture has become increasingly fixated upon politics, with the conversation surrounding it sometimes taking a strikingly religious tone. No matter the political or religious side, the language around politics, particularly the presidency, has a salvific undercurrent, as if our national or personal salvation or damnation depends on election results.
As the oft-quoted C.S. Lewis noted in his sermon “The Weight of Glory,” “Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.”
I believe this observation can offer some much-needed perspective. Pundits discuss the far-reaching consequences of elections, and they have a point. They will influence countries, maybe even the world. But only for a season. Eventually, policies and presidents- they will all pass on like dew on the grass. The people, those voting and those being voted for, will last forever, in one way or another.
This reality serves as an excellent reminder of several important truths. First, the cliched adage of “this too shall pass” is correct. This election, this presidency will pass, no matter who is in office. Secondly, we cannot, we must not treat people, no matter their political perspectives, as less than beings of eternal value. Their politics are temporary; they are not. Finally, while politics changes, Christians owe ultimate allegiance to One who does not change or pass away, who holds the fates of individuals and nations in His hands. Of course, Christians should perform their civic duty whenever possible. But, after that duty is done, the results should be left in Hands that have proven far more capable than ours.
In light of this, I would like to propose an alternative approach for Christians that takes its cues from a second quintessentially American tradition: Thanksgiving.
While many note the complex history behind this national holiday, I want to focus on what it represents today: a time of gratitude and community, and for Christians especially, a time to thank the Lord for sustaining us through another year and a request for His grace to carry us through the next.
However, the Christian concept of gratitude goes deeper than that. The idea of gratitude or praise is mentioned over 250 times in Scripture, not just in relation to God’s blessings but also in giving thanks for His character. Gratitude is a radical reorienting of perspective. As the poet John Milton said, “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”
Thanksgiving gives us a chance for at least one day out of the year to reorient our attitude toward the world, to open our eyes to possibilities of transcendence, and to approach the upcoming year with new eyes and new clarity.
Remembering the central theme of this American holiday changes our perspective on this election. Though it is often referred to as “the most important election of our lifetime” (a phrase I have heard applied to every election that I have been alive for), I believe that for Christians, it is most fruitfully viewed as an opportunity to practice “being in the world but not of it.” No matter what happens, our ultimate allegiance is not with any elected government but with One who does not change and is sovereign over all.
This means that Christians ought to adopt a truly revolutionary attitude towards the election: gratitude. Gratitude that we get to participate in this election as free citizens. Gratitude that we can stand on our beliefs as Christians without fear of widespread violent opposition.
People love to make jokes about insufferable relatives and political arguments around the table during Thanksgiving. However, if we were to actively practice the true spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, perhaps we would realize the true value that these people we “cannot stand” hold and give thanks for the time we have with them. Politics and elections are temporary; people are not, and our time with them is limited. Why should we allow temporary things to take a higher position in our lives and hearts than that which is eternal?
Growing up, my family, a few weeks before Thanksgiving, would create what we would call a “Thanksgiving tree” a large poster of a tree and colorful leaves created by the entire family. On these leaves we would write what we were thankful for, from profound blessings like family and God’s character to silly things like spiders and toothpaste. We would leave it up all year as a reminder of God’s provision, no matter how tumultuous our family’s life became. . It would remind us to “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Election season is undoubtedly stressful. However, Christians have the opportunity to demonstrate a new perspective by seeing the election season as a time of trust and gratitude. As Christians, and as Americans, we are extraordinarily blessed. So instead of following the culture and approaching the election in fear, anger, strife, we should instead approach it in the spirit of Thanksgiving, embodied in the words of the hymn:
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings,
See what God has done!
