2020 | Week of November 2 | Radio Transcript #1384
“Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” That’s the opening premise in Dr. Del Tackett’s The Truth Project, a systematic worldview study.
This week, as we consider the results of the election we’ve just gone through, that question seems especially appropriate to me. Am I totally convinced that the belief system I claim is truly real? Truly reliable? Truly right in every situation?
Over the past several months we have made many and varied appeals to voters in Wisconsin to honor God with their vote—and we believe that is incredibly important in any election. I truly believe that, and believe it is really real.
But as we now live with the consequences of the election, do we really believe that God is sovereign, that He is truly in control of everything, even to the putting up and taking down of leaders, even to how viruses come and go, even to how justice is brought to bear on those who lie and cheat to get what they want even in an election? Do we really believe how God operates is really real?
As many have noted, elections will come and go, as will candidates and any and all elected officials, as will even the nations of the earth—but the one reality that is forever is our triune God, present as Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and His revealed Word, the Bible, from which we learn of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and of His ways and of what He expects of us.
When we really believe that what we believe about God, His character, His work, and more is really real and really true, we become centered in the midst of a swirling world. We are anchored in the midst of the storm. We see clearly in spite of the haze created by those trying to cloud our vision. We hear accurately even when the sounds are uncertain or are creating a great cacophony.
Because we are centered and anchored and because we see and hear clearly, Christians should be leading the way in the post-election response. Whether we are delighted or despondent by the results, we must quickly get to the point of being able to say and mean it, “God is in control. He has allowed this president. He has put up these state officials. While I may not understand what God is doing, I will trust Him and His Word because I really do believe that what I believe is really real.” We cannot gloat; we cannot hand-wring and moan. Neither response gives the message to the watching world that we really do believe that what we believe is really real.
Romans 8:28 tells us that for the believer, God works all things for our good. All things. All things means, I’m quite sure, all things—everything, including the outcome of an election. It seems to me, at least one of our responsibilities after an election, is to be searching for how God is or will be working the results of an election for our good—for the good of Christians in general. What is He wanting us to learn about Himself? What does He want us to learn about our priorities, our reactions? This is another of those do I really believe truths. Do I really believe that God works all things, including elections results—results that may on one level make me happy or sad—for my good? Do I trust Him to know what is truly good for me?
In an election cycle like the one we are just finishing, the temptation always is to be euphoric or despondent regarding the outcome. Christians need to be more temperate than that. We can and should be appropriately grateful if the candidates we wanted win—especially grateful to God for His mercy. But we must be careful how we characterize any political victory; it’s very temporary and very human at best. And we certainly must be careful that we don’t act as if the world has come to an end if those we wanted lose the election. If we really believe that we believe is really real, we must at some point accept the results as God’s sovereign plan, which is never thwarted.
None of what I’ve said should be misconstrued to mean that I think we have no role to play in government. Win or lose, my responsibility remains to be a good citizen, to call out leaders when they are unrighteous in their deeds and character, and to positively recognize those leaders who do and act right and to do my best to impact elections.
All of this is an act of our will. If we really believe that what we believe is really real, we can and should show the world that our trust and faith in God is sure and steady, no matter the outcome of an earthly election.
For Wisconsin Family Council, this is Julaine Appling reminding you the prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Julaine Appling has taught on the junior high, high school, and college levels, and for five years was the administrator of a private school. In 1998 she was asked to become the Executive Director of Wisconsin Family Council, where her mission is to advance Judeo-Christian principles and values in Wisconsin by strengthening, preserving, and promoting marriage, family, life and liberty. In addition to regularly being interviewed for Wisconsin television, radio, and newspapers, she is the host of "Wisconsin Family Connection," aired weekly on almost 50 radio stations in Wisconsin including the VCY America radio network.
Learn more at WIFamilyCouncil.org
