Episode #37: Hope when you're weary and worried about the 2020 election

If you're struggling with how a Christian should engage with the government, or God's stance on politics, or what it means to be a voting human in the world today, you're in the right place because today we're finding hope in the midst of a bruising election year. If you're worried and weary in the fall of 2020, there's plenty of grace and hope to be found. Today we're talking about what is true about Jesus, hope, and grace as we enter a contentious and crazy presidential election. We're going to break down: God's relationship with politics  And the hope that is available to all Christians This episode, it's all about Jesus, politics, and grace.   Here are two statements that are 100% true:  God is both political and above politics. And God says there is hope and we have a future. God is both political and above politics. Politics is … the means by which we shape our common life. It refers to the various ways humans live together, exercise authority, and seek the common good. Being politically active means caring for our neighbor and stewarding God's creation.  God is political because He cares deeply about how we care for each other and He shares authority with us, giving us the freedom to create systems that govern, legislate and support flourishing lives.  God is on God's side. He is ultimate. Ultimate in power, authority, creation, love, sacrifice and mercy. God is above the fray and is for His kingdom work and His will to be done. God is the One who passes out the authority and leadership roles. He is above governance and cannot be governed by man. So instead of believing that God is on "our side" about certain issues, candidates, and causes, what do we need to do to get in alignment with Him? Peter outlines quite clearly in 1 Peter 2 how we are to live as Christ-followers in a secular society with a secular government. He says, "Do good." Doing good sets us apart from non-believers. Being a part of a system and society that helps all flourish means actively participating in the lives of those who need help, or a voice, or an advocate.   Doing good is not something we pass off to the government; doing good is what we are called to do. So friend who is weary and worried: God says there is hope and we have a future. Friend, my prayer is that you don't feel defeated or worried about this election. I pray that you feel empowered and engaged.  May we be people who align ourselves with God, who is moving His kingdom forward. May we be people who know He is sovereign and who know they are stewards of His creation. May we be people with dual citizenship, who do not cling to one while turning a blind eye to the other.  May we be people who know that what we do here matters because we are shaping how our neighbors and those around the world live, thrive, and flourish. Key Quotes We also don't want to believe that God's sovereignty and our heavenly citizenry negate our activity.  Being a citizen of heaven with a sovereign God is not an excuse to ignore our current political responsibility. May we be people with dual citizenship, who do not cling to one while turning a blind eye to the other. So instead of believing that God is on "our side" about certain issues, candidates, and causes, what do we need to do to get in alignment with Him? Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Kaitlyn Schiess's The Liturgy of Politics Previous Episode Mentioned Episode #34: How to be a grace-giver this election season Episode #36: What is your Enneagram type's superpower for offering grace this election season?  Here's how to connect with Jill GraceInRealLifePodcast.com Instagram Facebook group Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly "the good + the grace" email