Why I’m Not Stressed About Election Day (And You Don’t Have to Be Either)
A Refreshing Perspective on the Election
As the 2024 election looms, emotions are running high. Every conversation seems to circle back to politics, and everywhere I look, people are stressed out, consumed with who’s going to win or what this means for our future. I get it—these elections have real consequences. But I’ve got to be honest: I’m one of the least political people you’ll ever meet, and I think there’s freedom in that.
Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me clarify. This doesn’t mean I don’t care about my country or being a responsible citizen. I vote. I stay informed. I take my role seriously. But here’s the thing—I don’t let politics consume me. Why? Because neither party fully represents the Kingdom of God. As theologian N.T. Wright says:
"The left often wants the kingdom without the King, and the right wants the King without the kingdom."
Let’s break that down.
The left tends to push for values like justice, equality, and social reform, which are good things. But often, they want these values without submitting to Jesus as Lord. They’re after the fruit of the Kingdom—love, peace, fairness—without acknowledging the King or honoring His design for how these should come to be.
On the flip side, the right is often about “God and country,” defending Christian values, but sometimes neglects the broader vision of the Kingdom—like justice for the marginalized or mercy for the oppressed. Essentially, they want the King, but forget the fullness of His Kingdom work.
Neither side gets it completely right, and that’s exactly why I don’t put my hope in any political candidate or party. I’m aware that we have work to do on this side of eternity, and honestly, neither party is going to get it all right.
So, What’s the Right Balance?
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us, “The government will be on His shoulders.” That’s about Jesus. Not a president, not a congress—but Him. Once we start to see things through that lens, it becomes clear that earthly governments and politics are temporary. They’re not the foundation of our hope or the thing that should stir our emotions the most.
Here’s what I find freeing: Jesus is Lord, no matter who’s in office. He’s King, regardless of which party controls Congress. We are citizens of His Kingdom first. Politics matter, yes—but they’re not the ultimate thing.
So, how do we navigate this tension? How do we stay involved without being consumed? How do we care about our country while keeping our hope firmly in Christ?
I try to keep a Stoic demeanor when it comes to politics—calm, steady, and not swayed by the noise—because my hope is rooted in Christ above all else. You won’t find me fueling political debates or getting caught up in the frenzy. It’s not out of cowardice—it’s out of wisdom. In a world of extremes, I’ve been called everything under the sun for not jumping on a bandwagon. But here’s the thing—I’m not looking for approval or applause from men. My focus is on Jesus and hearing “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” The world is so much bigger than US politics. Don’t put Jesus in a box, and don’t waste energy on things you have no control over.
The Kingdom Vision
I’ve found peace in this approach. It allows me to engage without losing focus on the bigger picture. If you’re feeling burnt out by all the political drama, I’d encourage you to ask yourself a simple question: What would Jesus be doing this November if He were walking the earth?
Do you think He’d be making headlines on CNN or Fox News? Would He be campaigning for candidates or getting wrapped up in debates? No.
When Jesus walked the earth, even His own disciples thought He was going to overthrow the corrupt government. But what did He do? He was born in a manger, learned in the synagogues, worked as a carpenter, and spent time with 12 ordinary men. His focus was others-centered and mission-driven.
He’d be focused on what His Father sent Him to do—building relationships, healing the broken, and speaking life into the forgotten. And that’s the model I’m trying to follow.
We can vote, we can be informed, but we should do it from a place of peace and trust in God’s sovereignty. Jesus is still King, and that’s the lens through which we should view every election.
A Final Thought
I’m not going to let my joy or peace depend on who wins this November. Whether it’s Trump getting another term or Kamala taking the Oval Office, my focus will remain on what God’s called me to do: loving my family, serving others, and living on mission for His Kingdom.
Our mission is to reflect Jesus in every area of life—including how we handle politics. So here’s my encouragement: Don’t get caught up in the political frenzy and forget who you are. Don’t let your hope rest in a political party or candidate—put your hope in Jesus.
Let’s take a deep breath, keep our eyes on Him, and be Kingdom-minded citizens as we head into this election season.
Always in your corner,
-LM
