Mercifully, the election season ends in six days. This cycle has truly been one for the ages. Most of us want to turn the page, albeit reluctantly because we don’t actually know what is on the next page. The doctrine of God’s providence calms our fears about tomorrow, but it also provides a context for understanding where we are.
The Bible says a lot about humanity. And with these candidates under the microscope, we have many samples of human behavior to examine in light of Scripture. So let’s see how the Bible can equip us to talk in light of this election with unbelieving friends and family.
Corruption
The favorability ratings for these two candidates are at all-time lows. This says as much about a perception of their poor character as it does about our desire for better character. People are interesting: we distance ourselves from being held accountable, yet we love to hold people accountable. This demonstrates something of our warped image bearing. We have a compass for character; it is just broken and shamelessly self-referential. It may be a good discussion starter to talk with friends about how strange it is that we as a society are largely ambivalent about religion yet outspoken about morality. Why is this? What does it matter? Where does this come from? As Christians we have an answer.
Hiding
One topic that has continued to dominate the news headlines is Mrs. Clinton’s private email server. It is regularly noted that she deleted thousands of emails, and with the moves of an IT ninja, wiped the server clean. Without rendering judgment about the allegations of criminal activity here we can all relate to the attempts to scrub clean the deep dye of personal sin. Whether we are talking about the embarrassed toddler or the sophisticated businessman, we are proficient at stitching together our fig leaves to hide behind. The trouble is: we can’t hide. Certainly people can relate to the desire for a reset and to wipe the slate clean. As Christians we have a word for that: atonement!
Exposure
Both candidates have had private moments exposed. The revelation of Mr. Trump’s audio recording of his vulgar, demeaning, and shockingly brazen words caused our collective nation to shudder. I was affected listening to a speech by First Lady Michelle Obama where she talked about listening to the tape and then being shaken to her core in a way that even surprised her. Furthermore, Mrs. Clinton’s campaign has been plagued by the steady dripping of Wikileaks email hacks. Previously private conversations have been published for the world to see. In both of these examples the candidates’ cheeks are red with shame. As Christians we have a framework for thinking about these things. The Bible tells us that our sin will find us out (Num. 32:23). Nothing we said is every really private for we live before an omniscient God. It is this God that all people—regardless of status—will stand and give account for every idle word spoken (Mt. 12:36). Most people, regardless of religious affiliation, will agree that they do not want the transcript of their life publicized. However, this is in fact the case when we are thinking about standing before God for judgment. It is a little thing to be scrutinized by people—even a relentless media. It is a big thing to be scrutinized by God.
Justice
We have heard people clamoring for justice during this campaign. Alleged victims of sexual assault have spoken up because they want justice for Mr. Trump. Others are crying out for the FBI to indict Mrs. Clinton over allegations of breaking federal law. Deep down we know that that we all want justice. But we also know the limitations of human justice. What, after all, can we do? Deep down our clamoring for justice is about more than an election or even a country. Our desire for justice comes from the heart of our being as image bearers. We recoil in disgust over injustice because we bear the image of a just and righteous God. Our cries for justice and the limits of human justice preach to us of the ultimate justice. And the only way we can be prepared for that is to have our case settled on Calvary, whereby God is the just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). Christ became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). He bore God’s just wrath so that those who turn and trust in him could be forgiven, justly.
Hope
In each of the debates, in many of the rallies and interviews, candidates are asked about what they will do to fix the mess (or, if you like, “disaster”). Here the candidates have the opportunity to instill some hope in the country based upon what they will do. This is what we want. Whether Democrat or Republican or Independent, we all want some hope. The only trouble for us here is our hope is as good as its object. If we are attaching our hope in fallen creatures, then our hope is already cracked at its base. As Christians we are sensitive to the cries for hope. We hear them and echo them. But our true and lasting hope is not in a politician (thank God), but in the God who became a man. We are hoping in King Jesus. Amid the tumultuous season of political elections Christians are sailing in the indestructible and unsinkable ark of Christ. As long as Jesus is in the helm the church will not topple. Our captain is a skillful mariner who guides us to port in the Heavenly Jerusalem. We shall anchor there and forever be with him. Like Noah in the days of old, we are those who hold wide the door of the ark open and bid others to come in. There is still room.
