Have you noticed how few campaign ads are running on radio and television? In some communities, it is hard not to notice that there are fewer campaign signs on parkways and lawns. And that is especially true in southern Illinois. In this Primary Election cycle there is a striking lack of competition for a majority of state legislative districts.

According to a recent article by The Center Square:

In 12 of 23 races in the Illinois Senate, the winning party is already determined because either no Republican or no Democrat filed to get on the ballot. The same is true in 67 of the 118 races in the House.

This is true despite the fact that there is a lot at stake for our state and nation this election year. From abortion to assisted suicide, immigration policy to inflation, there’s a lot riding in this year’s presidential election cycle. What are we to do? Here are two things Christians should be doing this election season. Vote. Pray.

Vote

It should be a repugnant thought to every Christian citizen to miss an election and have others decide the direction of our government without even a whisper of dissent. Moreover, it is hard to believe that any Christian, in good conscience, could think it’s a good idea to deliberately abandon the governing of our society entirely to atheists and humanists.

This is why we have so many terrible bills pending in the Illinois General Assembly. We desperately need an infusion of salt and light into the public square. We covet your prayers and activism! (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

Consider the Old Testament story about King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who besieged Jerusalem in the Book of Daniel. He took over and was running the nation. He took Jews captive and trained them in the ways of the Babylonian culture, changing their language, literature, and names. For three years, he immersed them in a Babylonian worldview. He tried everything to remove their Hebrew background and their God from their lives. I could draw many parallels to today’s public schools. The difference is that today, parents willingly bring the children.

To say that Nebuchadnezzar’s actions constituted an overreach of “government” would be an understatement. In those days, kings had the final word. They could kill, destroy, rob, and tax without reason or cause.  Today, we are blessed to have a say in our government. We are blessed to have the right to make our voices heard through elections. That is, IF we exercise that right. Go out and vote! You have a privilege many of our forbearers wish they had.

Let’s practice and model our God-given privilege as citizens of this nation in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing “fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27)

Pray

We not only need to vote this election season but we must pray fervently for our political officials. This is not an option, suggestion, or recommendation but a command. God used Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1 to tell us,

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

It is far too easy to air our criticisms on social media. But what if we took those complaints and turned them into appeals to heaven? Should we not trust in the God of all Creation… Whose mercy and grace knows no bounds? He is the only One who truly has the power to change things — especially the hearts of our leaders. (Proverbs 21:1)

This exhortation applies to me as well. What if we intentionally take time to bring the election and lawmaking process before the King of kings? What if we went into the throne room of God and intervened for our nation? Is anything too hard for Him? (Genesis 18:14)

Pray for God’s will to be done

In the model prayer in Luke, Jesus taught us to pray for His will to be done on earth.  Let’s pray for God’s will to be done, even on election day. Pray that godly candidates win the day in the various races up and down the ballot.

Pray for righteousness to prevail

Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” We need to pray for more leaders who will stand for life.  We need to pray for more leaders who will stand for biblical marriage and sexuality.  We need to pray for more leaders who will stand for religious liberty. We need to pray for more leaders who will stand for righteousness. In other words, we need to pray that more leaders will embrace those things that are important to God.

Pray for the leaders who will take office

Pray that the leaders who will be taking office will truly seek the heart of God as they govern and lead. Ask the Lord to surround them with wise advisers who seek God’s will. Pray too for their salvation, which can only be found in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Pray for God’s mercy

Though we don’t deserve His mercy, God truly is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. Anyone who reads their Bible knows that God’s wrath could come any day because of the sinfulness of this nation and the reluctance of believers to stand strong for the things of God against an increasingly rebellious culture. 2 Peter 3:9 should encourage us. The verse speaks volumes of His mercy.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some count slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” There’s also an incredible promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Our state and nation and those who live in it are in desperate need of healing.

Remember, there isn’t anything too hard for Him.

Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
~Matthew 5:16~

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
~John 1:5~