It’s Getting Dark: We Need To Shine The Light This November

Fall is upon us. Slowly but surely, temperatures are starting to cool. Leaves are starting to change color and images of fall décor are starting to come out. Yet, recently while walking our dog, I came across a sight that I must admit I’ve never seen this early before: Christmas décor put outside in September.

The memes and jokes every year as the holiday season approaches are about how early is too early to start playing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” but this neighbor beat the retail stores this year. Then, I thought to myself, “Whelp, 2024 might be the year to begin focusing on the light of hope surrounding Jesus Christ because things have been getting darker as of late.”

It’s not only fall that is upon us. So is election season, and not just a typical presidential election, but one filled with ugly rhetoric, assassination attempts, divisiveness and dread from both sides about whatever the outcome could be. With this election bringing out the worst in us, with anger and fear in the air, how should followers of Jesus respond? Jesus tells us how: “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).

American politics has always been a rough sport, but it’s gotten particularly ugly in recent years. Don’t believe me? Watch YouTube videos of C-SPAN presidential debates from 30 years ago and compare them to our recent ones. Biblically, God tends to give us the leaders we deserve. After all, in American politics, our leaders are elected to represent us, but they also reflect us. Our country is divided, our society is fractured and the love of many has grown cold. Right is called wrong and wrong is called right.

There has never been a better time in modern-day America for those who claim to follow Jesus to live like they do. There has never been a better opportunity to share the good news of the gospel in an environment that thrives on negative news. There’s never been a better time to show our fellow neighbor the love of Christ than now, even if they have a sign in their yard for a politician you don’t like or share a message you disagree with. Come this November, we have the chance to practice what the Bible tells us: “Be kind to all” (Ephesians 4:32), no matter how ugly the aftermath of this election becomes.

This November, we can show those around us what our hope in Jesus looks like, especially if the outcome of this election is not how we’d like it to be or there is uncertainty in the air. One thing both the left and right have agreed on is that the sky will fall and our republic as we know it will end if the other side wins. Yet if one follows Jesus and believes the Bible, and approaches the upcoming election with a Christian worldview, we can have confidence in the face of uncertainty that no matter who is president, Jesus is king.

Recently, I attended a D-Day commemoration event for the heroes who saved our democracy. At the event, I was interviewed by an Italian reporter who asked my thoughts on the upcoming presidential election. I shared my concerns about the state of politics in general and of this election, but I told him that ultimately, I’m optimistic because of my faith in God’s providential hand over history. The only hope for America and the world is Jesus Christ, not Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

Politics do matter and Christians should vote their conscience and participate in the political process, as there are issues where our faith and politics collide, but we must be careful not to fall into political idolatry. If you are more passionate about talking about politics than talking about Jesus, you’ve put your hope in a political figure rather than him and that is misguided, and you will be disappointed. If you’re more concerned about winning elections than winning souls, you’ve lost sight of our mission and our identity. We belong to a heavenly king and country first and foremost. We are Christians first, Americans second and political third, and it should always be in that order.

As November approaches, let’s meet this moment with grace and truth, with peace and love. No matter how ugly this election outcome could become or how frightening or disappointing it may be, let us resolve now to keep our eyes on Jesus and to be light in the darkness. Finally, be sure to pray. America is going to need it.

“For the true king is on his throne and ever shall be.” - Anonymous

Stephen Mitchell is the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Severna Park. He also is the host of a regular podcast, “Real Christian Talk with Pastor Steve,” available on all podcast platforms.