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As many individuals around the US did, I tuned in last Thursday to the first presidential debate.
The debate left many concerned to varying degrees about the present or future state of our nation... or both.
As the 24 hour news cycle went nuts in post-debate analysis, I went to bed peacefully. This is because of where my faith is placed: not in politics or our political system, but in Jesus Christ.
Christ is the only one worth our unwavering faith and trust. Revelation 5:12 "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
The relationship between God, government and how that works out in a constitutional republic like the United States is a question that is hotly debated.
Scripture generally encourages Christians to respect the government as possessing God-given authority (Romans 13), yet we are called to obey God over man (Acts 5). There are certainly further complexities which I do not intend to solve here.
One thing is made perfectly clear in the Bible though, and that is where my faith should be. I know my faith in the Lamb was never meant to be replaced by faith in a Donkey or an Elephant.
No matter what laws are enacted, who wins the presidential election in November, or who controls the US legislative branch of government... Christ is still King.
As a Christian, as one who has placed my faith and life in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is enough for me. I can have peace and will be content in any and every circumstance. Not because a political party is winning, but because my Christ has won already.
For those of us who know Christ as our Savior and King, let's show our faith by the peace which we can have in Christ alone. Yes, we can engage passionately in politics, but that passion and allegiance is always a far second to that which we have with Christ.
For those of you who are not Christians, I urge and invite you, talk with us. Ask us about the faith and peace that we have, and that you can have as well.
Presidents come and go, political parties grow and diminish, nations rise and fall... but God will never be supplanted.
Next year, the anxiety-inducing question for many will be, who is returning to the Oval Office? For myself, I already know my returning King, and my hope and faith is in Him.
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Pastor Stuart Redcay is associate pastor of Family Ministry at Big Woods Bible Church.