Election Thoughts
Jesus always seemed to see the person first. As we take on his nature, we, too, increasingly see people through the eyes of grace. When we learn someone’s name and hear their story, they become more real—more human—to us.
A timeline of posts and links for the past few days – pre- and post-election:
October 22, 2026
Some important principles to remember while voting...also before voting....and after voting.
October 26, 2026
What we excuse in our leaders is what we are teaching our children.
October 29, 2026
The church is to be a prophetic voice calling out to east and west, right and left, us and them – not tied to any.Like the prophets of old, calling all people back to Jesus, the church extends grace to all, knowing that the promises of God are all people – those near and those far off.
November 3, 2026
What we excuse in our leaders is what we are teaching our children.
November 3, 2026
I voted early, but since today is the day...
November 3, 2026
It's Election Day. Go vote, if you haven't already.Do your homework, think it through, and seek God's wisdom. Then cast your ballot for the person and policies you truly believe to be the best.As you do, remember that someone else (even someone you know loves Jesus) may choose otherwise. Don't ruin a relationship over a vote cast differently. Then, when the results are known, win or lose, remember our Christian call to love God and love the people around you. Do what's right. Be quick to forgive. Walk humbly with God, and trust in the One who holds tomorrow.God's plan and purpose will be done on earth as in heaven, no matter who sits on our earthly thrones of leadership. And real transformation in our world comes through God's faithful people faithfully living hope-filled lives and sharing a Jesus-centered witness in the ordinary goings-on of life.
November 4, 2026
What we excuse in our leaders is what we are teaching our children.
November 4, 2026
When a nation overwhelmingly votes against its current leadership, my prayer is that we will not experience more of the same, but with a different color, and with revenge on the mind.
My prayer is for a new day in American politics – a day when cooperation across party lines for the good of people, a nation, and the world become the priority. A day when our leaders lead by gracious speech and faithful example, with dignity, grace, respect, and compassion for all, regardless of party affiliation, faith commitments, race and ethnicity, social status, gender, economic standing, educational level, immigration status....including even political opponents.
I pray for a day when people on all sides will listen to each other, seek understand one another, and work together to find reasonable and effective solutions.
Is this a vain hope? Perhaps. But it's a hope-filled hope that reflects optimism in the grace of God to move and work and transform. Any meaningful change must begin with a new vision, a new hope, and a new prayer. May we find leaders of character willing to take some first, wobbly step in this direction.
God loves red, white, and blue, and every other color too. May we proclaim it in our words, redlect it in our attitudes, and live it out daily in our lives. And may people of faith, as we wake-up today, have on our minds the words printed on our currency – "In God we trust."
Father in heaven, we put our trust in you and you alone. Walk with us, Jesus, into every tomorrow. Fill us, Holy Spirit, with divine, Christlike love to be your presence in our world.
On Christ, the solid rock, we stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Steven E Fairbanks
Steven E Fairbanks