This election could possibly be the most embittered in all of our nation’s history. There have been so many harsh words and out-of-control emotions from the candidates and the supporters on both sides. I am sure children of all ages have heard an adult making passionate comments about a candidate. So we need to discuss with our children what this time in our country is all about.
First of all we need to tell them that God is the King of kings and rules over all the world. 1 Timothy 6:15 tells us that “God is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords”. Acknowledge this often with your children.
Then share with them that God gives us opportunity to seek out people to lead us – that is why we have an election. Read and share with your children the story in 1 Samuel 16 where God gave Samuel the job to seek out a king for His people. This is what He told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”(1 Samuel 16:7)
Lead your children in praying that everyone will look for and vote for leaders with good hearts. Samuel anointed David to be the new king. God was very pleased – look what He said about David – “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’(Acts 13:22)”
It may seem as none of the candidates in this election fit this description and the options are to vote for the lesser of the two evils or not vote at all. But not voting at all is the third evil. Let your children see you exercise your patriotic freedom to have a voice in government – take them to the poll with you if possible and let them hear you pray for wisdom to know for whom to vote.
Then when the election is over, remember “God determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. (Daniel 2:21)” We need to remind ourselves of this no matter who wins and explain it to our children.
Regardless of how one might feel about the winner, there is never a reason to talk unkindly about that person. Read and tell your children the story from 1 Kings 24. King Saul had been trying to kill David. But when David was faced with an opportunity to kill King Saul, he said “May the Lord not let me put out my hand against my leader, for he is the Lord’s chosen one.”
Finally, take heed to this exhortation from the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority”. After this election it becomes our duty to pray for and – what is that last thing – um – give thanks for all those in authority. I must admit that, although I have prayed for our authorities, I have not given thanks for them. I want to purpose to intercede for our next president and give thanks for the one God has chosen to accomplish His purposes in our country (which just might be judgement) .
So use this election as another opportunity to establish God’s Word in your children. Make them aware that God has put in positions those whom He has purposed to be there (Daniel 2:21), and no matter who is in authority, God is still the King of kings and in control of everything (1 Tim. 6:15). And make a regular part of your praying with your children be for protection, wisdom, good hearts, and thanks for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
