What do Elections teach us?
Our children see and hear our every move. They pick up on things we try to keep a secret. Think about all the work you put into hiding Christmas presents. We hide them in attics, the back of closets, under beds, in locked rooms, and even at another person’s house. There have been many times over the years that I've headed to my in-laws’ house around midnight to pick up Christmas presents, bring them home, and get them ready for Christmas morning. We do everything possible to hide these secrets. I wish national elections were like this; however, they are not. Our children are watching, but how are we answering them?
As I write these special edition blogs, it is August. I intentionally decided to write them early, so they are as unaffected by the unknown as possible. In fact, I am writing them at the start of the National Conventions. Why do I bring this up? I want you to know directly that these blogs are not focused on supporting any specific candidate, but rather on how we should view the American election process and how we communicate with our children. With that foundation, let’s dive in.
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 1:9-14
When God created the heavens and the earth, He created a perfect environment... and then the fall occurred. Since the fall, men have been in conflict with each other, but most specifically over “who” to serve. This battle over “who” we are to serve has been a struggle since Eve ate the fruit and Cain killed Abel. There is nothing that has changed since the beginning of time. Elections only serve to further highlight this dichotomy, which centers on what God desires and what man desires. We hear over and over again in elections that we have never faced such a great divide. From every competing side, we are offered hope, greatness, unity, and peace. Since the foundation of mankind, we have faced this battle. In an election, both sides will claim they have the truth, assert they are on the right side of history, and position themselves as the answer to everything that ails the world. They present case after case of why they are better than the other side and how their direction is best. They make promises that are rarely kept and paint a picture that is vastly different from the truth. Elections, politics, and campaigns, while personally enjoyed, prove that nothing changes over time.
Elections teach us that there is a battle of worldviews. The battle rages in the hearts, minds, and souls of all men. This battle is over how we view life, our purpose for living, and the responsibilities each person is required to take upon themselves. What Solomon concludes is that while there is no new thought or invention under the sun, he also confronts the real issue at hand: “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Solomon arrives at the point that if something is created on earth, it can be of no good unless it points to the Creator.
This is the first lesson elections teach our children. Times are not the worst they have ever been. Times are not all doom and gloom. We are not on the verge of extinction. We are fighting a battle that must be taken seriously. We are fighting a battle over biblical truth and secular thought. Elections give us a chance, no matter the age, to have this discussion with our children. In education, we call this a "teachable moment"—a chance to teach our children how God’s Word applies to every part of life. Elections allow us to share with our children directly our views and the biblical foundation for those views. I believe it is not about who is elected, but how we respond and train our children throughout the election process. Here is what we know for certain, no matter the results of any election:
“The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” Proverbs 21:1
“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” Daniel 2:21
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3
Elections ultimately teach us three things we need to teach our children:
- There is nothing new under the sun.
- Times are not the worst they have ever been.
- Whoever is elected falls under God’s authority.
Mr. Euler has over 20 years of experience working in Christian Schools, 13 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
Website www.wogacademy.org
Facebook Word of God Academy
Instagram Word of God Academy