“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 KJV

As Christians, we are taught that we need the power of Christ in order to function properly in our daily lives. Just think about all the daily activities we perform that we call on the name of God to help us complete – now think about adding running the country to that list!

Regardless of your political affiliation, being a Christian means understanding that any person placed in such an impactful role needs the strength and covering of God daily in order to fulfill their duties.

The Bible says in First Timothy chapter 2: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (KJV).”

No matter the outcome of this election, it is our job as Christians to lift the name of our leaders up in prayer, and to ask that the Lord cover them and help them to guide our country in the right direction. Remember Solomon, who could have asked God for any number of blessings, but he asked for wisdom, knowing that he needed God’s divine help in order to become a King worthy of ruling his kingdom. Our leaders need that same God-given wisdom. 

Philippians 4:6 says “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Not to say that our local representatives are God or God-like, but they do have a phone number, email and way of recording requests that come in from the members  of the communities they serve. Public policy doesn’t just appear from the minds of policymakers. It often is created based on pressure community members place on the office of the representative.

We are living and existing in real time around our cities and states. We exist within the paradigm of the policies that have been created. If we don’t push back for our best needs, someone will most assuredly be pushing for their interests.

All right, let's try something new. If you’re in the United States, send me a text at 773-365-9687 — I want to hear how you're doing, what's on your mind, and how you're planning on voting this year.

I'll be in touch from time to time to share what's on my mind, too. pic.twitter.com/NX91bSqbtG

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 23, 2020

As we know, the Bible encourages us to love our neighbors. What better way to love your neighbor than to volunteer to help your entire neighborhood!

Signing up is quick and easy, and for Los Angeles County you can sign up HERE.

And for our California residents who are outside of LA County, you can sign up HERE.

It’s no secret that this election will be one of the most important elections in American History. But many people, especially those in historically disenfranchised communities, fear that their vote simply doesn’t count.

This is untrue!

Narratives which promote the concepts that change is not possible, or that no candidate is worth your vote, are forms of voter suppression, and they plague our communities. For instance, according to a recent article published in The New York Times, in the 2016 election, President Trump won the state of Florida by about 113,000 votes, yet the numbers show that an estimated 379,000 Black and Brown residents of Miami didn’t vote.

The numbers show that those unheard voices could have changed the outcome in their state. They had the power.

Florida is only one example, but research shows that similar instances happened all over the country. Let your light shine by having conversations with friends and family about the importance of their vote – whether they choose to cast it in person, or by mail. 

The general election has already started. Make a plan. Vote early. Be an #OctoberVoter—and tell 🖐 friends to do the same! 👇 pic.twitter.com/ykfCkEpjPk

— When We All Vote (@WhenWeAllVote) October 1, 2020

Daily, we are bombarded with negative content regarding current political events. From the nightly news updates to the ever-present internet articles to our social media feeds and even conversations with friends and family, it is easier than ever to feel hopeless about the state of our country.

But in Philippians 4:8, the Bible instructs us to find ways to meditate on good things instead. The Scripture says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (KJV).”

Make it a point this week to simply unplug and spend some time meditating on the blessings all around you. You can become a shining light to those around you by encouraging your friends and family to do the same! Take a cue from Bishop Blake’s annual CandleLight Service and remember, all it takes is one light to start the illumination of a whole room!