The political season has started again, much to the dismay of many Americans. We are bombarded by media buys, press releases, and promotion by sound bites, either to persuade us to vote for one candidate or to dissuade us from voting for another. As words get tossed to and fro in a frenzied froth, we shake our heads with disgust, for it seems as though nothing has changed, except for a few new faces.

While I am grateful that God has given us the opportunity to have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, I also realize that involvement in politics will not fix the problems of the world. Yes, as Christians, we have a stewardship toward God to be involved, but we must also realize that our main objective must be to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of all of this, it is important to remember that God’s plan for the ages is still progressing on the earth. During this frenetic pace, we must remind ourselves of the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Without keeping our minds centered on the things that count eternally, it is easy to lose our perspective and become disheartened. We look at the political landscape, and things may seem hopeless. Yet it is precisely at these times, that we need to regain our focus, realizing that God has placed us here to reach the world with the gospel. It is not the politics of the religious right or left that are to be the focus of believers.

Yes, we have a tremendous responsibility toward God as stewards in the political realm. While our involvement in the political realm is vital to preserve our religious freedoms and hold back the power of sin in society, it is the preaching of the gospel that will change the hearts of men and women across our land.  

In the midst of all the mayhem of politics, the one constant in society is the church of Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Gospel. Keep the words of Jesus in your hearts and minds, so that you may have peace during this political season. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”