The year 2024 saw a large number of elections being held worldwide. More than 100 countries, or about half the global population, voted in an election this year. For example, the United Kingdom held a general election on 4 July 2024, which saw the toppling of a Conservative government that had been in power for more than a decade. Earlier this week, on 5 November, America held an election for the office of president, as well as for various other roles in the Senate, House of Representatives, etc. In Singapore, a general election must be held no later than November 2025. News about elections of one kind or another fill the newspapers and social media daily. People all over the world are caught up in an “Election Frenzy” – a period of uncontrolled excitement and emotions over elections.
What should the Christian’s reaction to this “Election Frenzy” be? Permit me to suggest three things that a Christian ought to do:
REFLECT
We want to reflect and remember that first and foremost, as Christians, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Since we are citizens of a heavenly, everlasting kingdom, we ought to reflect and have the proper perspective that since world governments and earthly countries are temporary, we ought not to be overly distracted by the rise and fall of world rulers, but be concerned with pursuing our heavenly goals.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
RESPECT
As Christians, we want to remember that God is the one who allows world leaders to be put in place. As such, we ought to respect world leaders and not resist or fight against them, for to do so would be to push back against God’s authority.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2)
God puts world leaders in a position where they can serve law-abiding citizens, and punish evil-doers. In this way, world leaders are servants of God’s will, and we ought to respect them for the job that they have been tasked to do.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:3-4)
How do we show proper respect to world leaders? We pay our taxes, and we honour them, and not speak of them mockingly or derisively.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:5-7)
REQUEST
If world leaders do not perform their God-ordained roles properly, then we trust that in due time, God will remove them from office (cf. Dan 5:25-31). But as long as world leaders are in office, we ought to pray for them, and make our requests known to God. We ought to request of God in our prayers that world leaders lead their countries well, that their citizens can lead quiet and honest lives.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
We ought to give thanks for those in authority, and request of God that our leaders can continue to maintain peace in the land, so that all men can have an opportunity to come to the knowledge of God’s truth.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
CONCLUSION
Let us reflect on the fact that we have a heavenly citizenship. Let us respect our world leaders because they have been put in place by God to serve those who do good and punish those who do evil. Let us request of God that He bless our world leaders with good health and the wisdom to help live us quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and honesty.
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