“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Phil 3:20
Perhaps you’re like me and you’ve been watching the news on the presidential election. I can tend to watch news reports, read stories, and track polls when the election draws near.
Inevitably, I find myself tempted to anger with the opinions of others. Those who are on the opposite side politically can tempt me to anger when my position is being mocked. Those on my side of the political spectrum can tempt me to anger when they say and do things that hurt the cause.
Either way, the election can cause me temptation to anger.
The Root of Anger—Fear
The root of my anger is, of course, fear about what will happen in the coming election. I worry that a candidate will win who will cause problems for our nation.
As I watch the news, I find myself fretting over both sides of the aisle, growing increasingly concerned. This can quickly drive me to anger.
The Cure for Political Fear—Jesus
Interestingly, Paul probably had some understanding of what this would have felt like. As a Roman citizen, Paul had rights, and during his lifetime, the Roman political world was in some chaos.
Certainly everywhere he went, other Romans had opinions about the current state of politics. A host of different viewpoints must have confronted him.
But remarkably, Paul didn’t fall victim to the political wrangling of his day. Instead, he happily affirmed that his citizenship was in heaven. Paul had one true King—the Lord Jesus Christ. He understood that Caesars would come and go, but Christ would remain forever.
And for that reason, when Paul considered his citizenship, he looked right at Christ, seated on the right hand of the majesty on high. Paul knew that a day would come when Christ would return and take His rightful place as King of the world.
When he remembered that, he couldn’t help but wait eagerly for Jesus to come!
In America
You may find yourself like I do—thinking about politics. That isn’t wrong. It isn’t wrong to vote, or have opinions on any number of political matters.
But if you find yourself fearful or angry, remember—you are a citizen of heaven first. Just like Paul, you can remind yourself that your Savior, Jesus Christ, is coming to rule the world. When that happens, you can rest and trust that the Lord will do what He pleases.
