WHY THIS WEEK'S ELECTIONS MATTER AND DO NOT MATTER

 No one needs reminding, really; we are all fully aware that we are going to the polls this week. Whether it is down to the increased interest in elections, or how the last elections ended in controversy or the increased political violence, this year's elections have a bite to them. The tension is real and evident. It almost feels like it is the calm before the storm. So, how important are these elections? I want to suggest that this week's elections matter, but in a real sense, they do not matter. Calm down, allow me to explain before you throw verbal stones and pangas at me.

WHY DO THE ELECTIONS MATTER?

They determine our policymakers for the next five years

The councillors, mayors, members of parliament and president we vote for this year will be the custodians of enormous responsibilities. They will be formulating, establishing and executing policies for the Country. Bills and statutory instruments will be passed that will affect all of us. There is a possibility we may even have an attempt at constitutional 'reform'. Therefore carefully consider who and how you vote.

They determine who drives our economy

If you are the apathetic type that cares very little about the laws, bills and policies of the land because you feel they do not affect your life, this point should get your attention. To put it simply, the state and direction of the economy affect your wallet and stomach. It affects your livelihood. The people we vote for are going to drive the economy directly; that should matter to you.

They determine the systems of operation for the Country

The people who will emerge victorious next week will be tasked with forming, directing, and empowering the Country's institutions and systems of operation. They will determine whether to fight or encourage corruption. They enhance or curtail injustice and anarchy. They will promote peace and freedom or fuel hatred and division. This is important, and you have a say.

They affect the future of our children

The decisions regarding our policies, the direction of the economy, and operations systems will have a lasting impact tomorrow. Right decisions will mean my children bear the fruit twenty years from now. While the wrong decisions will mean my children suffer from it decades from now. All that to say, these elections matter.

WHY DO THE ELECTIONS NOT MATTER?

They do not change your eternal destiny

In the Christian worldview, everything we do on our temporal journey here on earth is in preparation for eternity. We believe in and long for a time when our life will end, or the Lord will return to reign with those who have believed in Him for the forgiveness of sins. These elections, no matter the outcome of preceding blessing or suffering it comes with, cannot alter your eternal destiny. The Christian is secure in the hands of his Lord and Savior.

They do not change your Christian responsibility

Our responsibility before and after the elections will remain the same, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself. In the home, fulfil your role as husband, wife, parent or child. In the Church, do the work of ministry and build others up. In the nation, be subject to the government of the day and be salt and light. The outcome of the elections may make these responsibilities harder to do, but they do not change what we called to do.

They do not change the Church's mission

The Church of Jesus Christ has its marching orders from its master to go and make disciples of all nations. She has been commissioned to go to the byways and the highways as the ambassador of Jesus Christ, pleading with all to be reconciled to God. She has been charged to gather and worship her God in spirit and truth. The outcome of the elections does not change the mission of the Church.

They do not change the plans of God

The Lord reigns! He has established his plans and purposes, and nothing can thwart those plans. The evil actions of men cannot frustrate the plans of God. Even calamity does not come to a city unless the Lord allows it (Amos 3:6). In His sovereign power and purposes, the Lord allows evil men to rule and evil actions to happen. In the same manner, that he allows righteous men to rule and righteous actions to happen. The comfort for the Child of God is that while these elections will determine, change or reelect leaders, they will not change the plans of God.

Dear Christian, as we vote and await the results of the elections, check your worldview. Ensure it is in line with the scriptures. Remember, these elections matter, but they do not matter!