The 2020 U.S. Presidential election—just like the 2016 U.S. Presidential election—was ultimately decided by 100,000 votes across 3 key states. That’s less than one-tenth of 1% of the nearly 150 million votes cast in this record-breaking election.
And, much like 2016, America seems to be split among political ideologies, philosophies, and approaches for the future.
While the “losing” side of the 2020 election—much like that of the 2016 election—may feel frustration, Christians must consider the words of Paul to Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
In 2008, I read John McCollister’s God and the Oval Office, where he pointed out that the Government of the United States was built upon a spiritual foundation. Its major concepts were derived from biblical teachings about the value and destiny of human beings.
McCollister wrote that each signer of the Declaration of Independence stood silently in a moment of prayer before affixing his signature to the document.
At the same time, the United States was not formed as a haven “for Christians only.” The Founding Fathers had escaped religious persecution and were very careful not to create a “religious state” or a “state religion”. Instead, they framed a nation that would allow, among other things, an opportunity for everyone to express his or her religious convictions without fear of government interference.
Former U.S. Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson wrote, “The so-called ‘separation of church and state’ is not a license to ignore religion, but a testimony to its importance in our lives. Freedom of religion ought never be confused with freedom from religion.”
Click here to learn about David Platt’s 2020 writing Before You Vote: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask