Election Day has arrived, and, as with any election season, emotions are running high. I don’t need to recount the division, tension, and even fear that seem to hang in the air. This season brings many to the polls with hopes, some with dread, and all of us with strong opinions about the future of our country.
However, on this day, I want to remind us of what remains true, regardless of the outcomes of our nation’s choices: earthly rulers may rise and fall, but our hope lies firmly in our eternal King, Christ Jesus. He was enthroned not by political acquisition, not by power, nor by human inheritance, but by the cross.
For those who love and follow Christ, Election Day calls for a unique perspective, one that transcends any political allegiance and that reorients us to a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). Let’s hold tightly to this truth today and take some guidance from the words of John Wesley on voting and civic responsibility.
In the 18th century, John Wesley offered his followers three simple rules for voting that resonate deeply even today. Wesley said to:
These principles highlight something essential: the way we conduct ourselves in political matters reflects our faith. Let’s take a closer look at these three rules and consider how they might guide us on this Election Day and beyond.
Wesley’s first rule is simple but profound: vote for the person you judge to be most worthy, free of any ulterior motives. Today, it’s easy to let our vote be swayed by promises of immediate personal gain or the influence of partisan tribalism. But Wesley’s guidance reminds us that voting should reflect our best understanding of wisdom and justice, not simply self-interest or loyalty to a group.
When we cast our votes as believers, we seek to align our values with the values of God’s kingdom—values like justice, mercy, humility, and love for others. To vote in this way is to remember that our vote has a greater purpose than securing comfort or power for ourselves. Instead, it’s an opportunity to consider what will contribute most to the well-being of our neighbors and the common good.
The second of Wesley’s rules challenges us to guard our words. How difficult it can be to obey this one! But here, we see the countercultural beauty of Christ’s kingdom: even when we disagree, even when we feel passionate about issues, we are called to respect and love those who stand on the other side.
Our words have power—power to build up or tear down. In the polarized climate we live in, it can be tempting to demonize those we disagree with or to speak harshly about candidates whose policies we oppose. But the kingdom of God is marked by a spirit of humility, where love for others guides even our speech.
Remember, Jesus modeled this humility perfectly: “...though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6–7). If Christ, the rightful King, chose humility, surely we too are called to speak with kindness and respect, even in the face of profound differences.
Perhaps the most challenging of Wesley’s rules is to guard our spirits. He instructs us to ensure our spirits are “not sharpened” against those who vote differently. On Election Day, when passions are running high, this is essential advice.
When we find ourselves disappointed or frustrated by political outcomes, it’s easy to let bitterness creep into our hearts. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher allegiance and a deeper hope. Earthly leaders will come and go, but Christ is King forever. Wesley’s advice reminds us that our unity in Christ is more important than any division politics might bring.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2: “God has highly exalted [Christ] and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). When we allow bitterness to harden our spirits, we risk shifting our gaze from the true Lord of all to the temporary rulers of this world.
The beauty of Christ’s kingdom is that it is unshakable. Regardless of who wins an election or which policies prevail, Christ remains on the throne, and His reign is not threatened by any earthly event. Our allegiance is first and foremost to Jesus and His kingdom—a kingdom not secured by force or popularity but by love, sacrifice, and resurrection.
This kingdom calls us to live as people of peace, people who can walk through divisive times without fear, anger, or resentment. Knowing that Christ is King enables us to hold our earthly loyalties lightly. In Hebrews 12:28, we are reminded to be grateful “for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” This truth frees us from the desperation that often marks political disagreements and encourages us to trust that God is ultimately in control.
On Election Day and in the days that follow, how will we carry ourselves? Will we reflect the character of our King, who came not to be served but to serve? Will we act as ambassadors of a kingdom built on love, grace, and humility? Here are a few ways we can live out this higher calling:
Today, let’s embrace the truth of who we are and whose we are. We are citizens of a kingdom that transcends every political affiliation, every earthly allegiance, and every fear. So, cast your vote with prayer, speak with love, and guard your heart against bitterness.
Our King, King Jesus, is ruling and reigning now and forever. He will not be shaken, and neither will His people.