What do Christians do exactly? Looking at Christendom from the outside one might get the wrong idea of the intended focus. One could say that Christians are about championing political causes. They fight for right wing social reform or moral conservatism. One might say Christians are involved in acts of benevolence, helping the less fortunate or working in a soup kitchen. Some might get the idea that Christians try and make everyone think like them. They preach a doctrine and judge everyone who does not conform. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there are many people in Christendom focusing on these things, that is not where a true disciple of Christ should have their focus.
Look at Christ as an example. When He was asked about a political issue of the day concerning taxes, He replied, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). When He was asked about doing more for the poor, He replied, “For you always have the poor with you” (Matt. 26:11). His focus was not ending the world of poverty. God is the only one who has the right to determine doctrine, and the words of Jesus are the ones that will judge in the last day (John 12:48-50).
So, what do we need to remember before the election? We need to remember to stay on task. Our primary mission concerns God. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33a). “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you” (1 Pet. 2:9). The kingdom is our primary directive, and the gospel is our message to the world. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” (Mark 16:15). “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20). If this becomes our focus, suddenly we are left with a greater perspective. Eternity comes into focus. The worth of a soul is measured. The urgency of the message understood. The cost of sin grasped.
There will always be political “the sky is falling” moments. We will never be rid of an opportunity to serve. While we are an imperfect people preaching a perfect plan, we still are called to teach it. It is the only message that truly matters. Another’s perception of us as Christians should not be that we are more politically concerned than Christ-centered. Let us stand together with a renewed focus on our Lord’s calling.