Reflections on Election Day

I wanted to write this to you before we know the outcome of the U.S. elections. It has been quite a ride, following this campaign. I have noted with interest (not joy or dismay) how strongly Americans – including some Christians, leader and average Joe alike – feel about particular candidates.

I think being a missionary for fifteen years in Asia pretty much ruined me for putting too much stock in the outcome of an election. Measured in terms of bringing real change, I don’t have a lot of expectations either way for this election. Christians in most Asian countries (expect for perhaps Korea) are such a small minority, they never – I mean never – give a thought to the evangelical vote. They live in ungodly, idol-worshipping or anti-Christian cultures, with all the trappings therein, and that is that. They pray and they vote (if they can), but usually the choices of candidates consist of a “lesser of evils” at best. Yet, God works in these nations. His work is not primarily through the political process.

I believe we SHOULD vote, and we SHOULD pray for our leaders, and we SHOULD be a vocal advocate and activist for Godliness in our government as much as we appropriately can, but we also should realize that true transformation of society does not come from the top down. It originates in the human heart, the very bottom of the power pyramid, and it works its way up through a person, to a family, to a community and then to a nation. It is then only maintained as human hearts stay centered in Jesus Christ. To try to fight for it any other way is to miss the point of the Gospel.

Billy Graham was always an advocate of personal transformation first. During his illustrious career that began in 1949 at a crusade in Los Angeles, he served as the ex-officio “Pastor in Chief” (TIME Magazine’s title for him) for and confidante of every American President since Harry Truman. While he was always a spokesman for godliness in government, he also frequently went on record as saying that politics will never change a nation back to God. Only prayer and the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to do that.

Unfortunately, there are some in America who are placing undue expectations on the Presidential candidates. I do hope the right man is elected and that he provides moral and sensible leadership to this nation. However, to expect that one man or one party can do the work our country needs is ludicrous. After the post-election party fireworks have dimmed, and real world problems start closing in on our neighborhoods, we will be disappointed if that is where we have placed our hope.

No leader but Jesus can change society, because no leader but Jesus can change the heart of a human being and help people live different lives and make better choices.

So, I voted and I’m praying. I hope you have done and are doing the same.