Given the disgusting news surrounding the 2016 American presidential election, Focus On the Family president and CEO Jim Daly says it's understandable if Americans feel discouraged about the future.
"America is in desperate need of sound leadership, and yet too many of our would-be leaders seem to be engaged in something akin to a cage match. At a time when it's vital to be informed about the candidates' positions, the last thing we need is immature, vulgar, crass and fanciful finger-pointing," he writes in an article for The Christian Post.
However, Daly notes that giving into discouragement is not the right solution. As Christians, it might be difficult to maintain a Christ-centred perspective even when religious liberties are being stripped away. But Daly says it must be done.
"Every presidential election carries with it a unique sense of urgency. That's because we live in a world plagued by sin, and the United States is not immune to its effects," he says. "So rather than getting bogged down by the what-ifs and giving in to fear, it's important to be reminded that as Christians, we're called to work toward the welfare of the cities in which we live (Jeremiah 29:7), let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15), and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)."
Daly adds that it's helpful to remember the purpose of government—which is to restrain evil and promote good. "Christians living in democratic societies can have a unique hand in helping choose leaders who will faithfully rein in evil by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who do what's right. That's an incredible blessing," he says.
At the same time, Daly says Christians should remember that people's eternal citizenship is in heaven. This does not mean that people should not get engaged on earth, he says, but it means that they should not expect the "struggle-free existence" that has been promised on "the other side of eternity."
"So let's not fulfill our civic duty in a spirit of fear. Rather, let's remain committed to exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) in every aspect of our lives — whether we're observing a political debate, heading to the polls, or simply interacting with a neighbor. As this primary season rages red hot, my prayer is that the church would show itself to be a city on a hill, a people not easily shaken," he says.
