We are in the midst of a political storm. This presidential campaign has delivered a barrage of endless negatives, and our nation is sharply polarized. Can faith enable us to navigate the storm?

We can find sound guidance in the Scriptures. Flawed political leaders are nothing new! In Biblical times, people often had kings and queens who were far from ideal, and there were at times sharp divisions in society. People found hope as they recognized that there is a God in heaven above all rulers.

This led to a situation in ancient Israel that was unique in the ancient world. In contrast to all other ancient near eastern societies, where the king was regarded as being on a level with the gods, the Israelites saw their rulers as flawed human beings, who stood under God’s judgment just like everyone else. So they critiqued their rulers from the standpoint of God’s values—something that we see repeatedly in the Biblical prophets.

As we go to the polls on Tuesday, may we look for God’s guidance... Share on X

The Bible calls us to view today’s politicians from the same kind of critical distance and to evaluate each ruler (or potential ruler) in light of God’s values. This “prophetic stance” leads to several positive results:

We consider God’s values, over self-interest, when choosing what candidates and policies to support
We have an allegiance to God that transcends loyalty to any party or opinion, and so we can find a spiritual unity with those whose political opinions may differ from ours
We realize that since the government will always be flawed, we are called as the church to be an ongoing prophetic voice in society
Although our rulers may fall well short of perfection, there is hope—because God is at work above all for good!

As we go to the polls on Tuesday, may we look for God’s guidance; and as we emerge from Election Day, may we transcend political divisions to work together for the well-being of all. Along that line, please be aware of the following event that our church, along with many other faith communities in Kent, is sponsoring this Friday:

Moving Forward Together

This event seeks to draw people together in the aftermath of a tempestuous election season. Organized by the Kent Interfaith Alliance for Reconciliation and Justice, of which our church is a part, the event will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kent United Church of Christ (directly across the street from our church). Featured speakers are State representative Kathleen Clyde and State senator John Eklund.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
I Kings 20:1–20
I Kings 22:2–17
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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.