Don't worry...

"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

We're on the eve of probably the most anticipated presidential election in our nation's history. Years ago, when this campaign started, it was hard to imagine the world in which this vote would take place. There's still a war is going in Iraq and Afganistan, but significant instability has developed in our relations with countries in almost every part of the world. This coupled with a all factors pointing to a global recession there's good reason to worry about the outcome of this election no matter which way you're leaning. And the fact that most of you reading this have voted by absentee ballot already, it may seem like there's nothing left to do but worry.

But then I come across this passage of scripture. Jesus tells those surrounding the hill he's sitting on not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear. Let's think about this. Craig Keener in his NT Bible Background Commentary writes,

"Most people in antiquity had little beyond basic necessities--food, clothing and shelter. Because their acquisition of these necessities often depended--especially in rural areas--on seasonal rains or (in Egypt) the flooding of the Nile, they had plenty of cause for stress even about food and clothing. "

So translated for our 21st century ears, Jesus' message goes far beyond our food, beverages, and clothes. He's really saying don't worry about anything at all. Instead we should "seek the kingdom, and live righteously," or in other words discern the will of God and do the right thing.

So what does all this mean for tomorrow's election? Well, if you haven't voted yet by all means do so, but do it prayerfully. Allow your kingdom worldview to effect how your fill out your ballot. If you've already voted, spend some time tomorrow in prayer for the outcome and that God's kingdom would be revealed through those who have been chosen to lead. And finally, remember this: Your vote, though important, is only one small way to determine the course of a society. Our responsibility as believers is that each day, not only Nov 4th, we would "seek the kingdom, and live righteously." If we do this little by little, day by day, we'll see the change we're really looking for.