I lived as a foreigner through several election cycles in Tanzania. As a foreigner, that meant I had an opinion about elections, but I didn’t expect it to matter very much. I listened to Tanzanian friends give me their view on the candidates, but I stayed relatively objective. My goal was to understand their thoughts because I wanted to understand their hearts. I was there to reach people with the gospel, not get mired down in political arguments. My purpose there was to love all Tanzanians, not take sides.
I saw both political parties as flawed; there wasn’t one entirely evil and one entirely moral. Both had views that aligned with a biblical worldview and some that didn’t. I might have had an opinion as to which might be better for the country, but I knew neither would bring salvation to Tanzania. I stood outside the political system, my eyes on the kingdom of God, and that only.
After all, I was an outsider. Tanzania was not my home. I wasn’t there for the purpose of my comfort, security, or freedom. When I prayed about an election, my prayer was ultimately for the strengthening of the Church and the advancement of the kingdom of God. I knew that the election results might have some uncomfortable repercussions for me: higher taxes, less peace, possibly greater oppression. Sometimes I was concerned, but I was not afraid. If my purpose there was to do God’s work, then God would be with me, no matter the circumstances.
Now I’m living in the United States as a citizen, so I get to vote. But other than that one change, my perspective is the same. My higher loyalty will always be the kingdom of God. I’m not home yet.
Though I am an American citizen, my higher citizenship is in heaven. As a foreigner, that means I have an opinion about elections, but I don’t expect it to matter very much. I listen to American friends give me their view on the candidates, but I stay relatively objective. My goal is to understand their thoughts because I want to understand their hearts. I am here to reach people with the gospel, not get mired down in political arguments. My purpose here is to love all Americans, not take sides.
I see both political parties as flawed; there wasn’t one entirely evil and one entirely moral. Both have views that align with a biblical worldview and some that don’t. I might have an opinion as to which might be better for the country, but I know neither will bring salvation to America. I stand on the outside of the political system, my eyes on the kingdom of God, and that only.
After all, I am an outsider. The United States is not my home. I am not here for the purpose of my comfort, security, or freedom. When I pray about the election, my prayer is ultimately for the strengthening of the Church and the advancement of the kingdom of God. I know that the election results may have some uncomfortable repercussions for me; higher taxes, less peace, possibly greater oppression. Sometimes I am concerned, but I am not afraid. If my purpose here is to do God’s work, then God will be with me, no matter the circumstances.
All these people were….admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11)
Kathy
Your viewpoint of being a citizen of the heavenly realm is admirable and yet we have the responsibility to impact our influence on the Church and on those outside God’s Kingdom. It is a balancing act and we need to focus on the Lord Jesus in order to advance His kingdom on this earth. You most likely have the most objective view of all since being away so long in another country. I hope you find peace and joy despite the disconnect with this country and its politics.
Steve
Hello and thank you for reaching out to the world from a Christian perspective…. your posts read like a modern day psalmist. And though the psalmist lived under a theocracy of sorts, he still proclaimed man’s inability to save themselves, yet would seek today to be civic-aware, active, for God had/has placed him in this country to live and prosper… so I do not think your acquaintances are voting to “save” the USA or prevent Satan’s overtake of God’s kingdom…I too am trying not to get wrapped up in civic discourse, but for example can campaign for and vote on a local school board nominee who will bring a Christian perspective to that work all the while knowing our public schools teach ungodly views on a myriad of subjects. Welcome back to the USA! U and your family are making America great again (if I may co-opt a slogan)!!