Faith Over Politics: A Pastor's Response to the 2024 Presidential Debate between Trump and Harris

As I reflect on the recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, I can’t help but notice how easy it is for us to get caught up in the political theater. Both candidates, like all of us, have complicated pasts and imperfect records when it comes to living out their stated values. If we’re honest, neither one embodies the perfect example of faith in action. And yet, it’s so easy to make politics the centerpiece of our identity, even our faith.

But let me remind you of this important truth: Our citizenship, first and foremost, is in another Kingdom—the Kingdom of God. Philippians 3:20 tells us that we are citizens of heaven, and it’s from there that we eagerly await a Savior. So while we’re called to be engaged in this world, to vote, and to influence society, our hope isn’t in a politician or a political party. It’s in Jesus, the King of kings.

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t vote or participate in the political process. You absolutely should! It’s both a right and a responsibility.

But your faith should influence your politics—not the other way around.

 Too often, we reverse that, allowing our political leanings to shape our faith, and that’s dangerous. When we start to conflate the two, we risk losing sight of the Gospel, which transcends every political ideology.

Remember, both candidates last night, for all their differences, are far from perfect. Both have fallen short in living out the very faith values they claim to uphold, and we shouldn't place our ultimate trust in any human leader. Instead, we should be praying for our leaders—praying for wisdom, discernment, and integrity, even when we disagree with them.

In this election season, it’s no secret that many people feel doubtful about the process itself. And that’s why I want to encourage you: Commit to pray not just for the results, but for the process. Pray for peace, unity, and fairness. Pray that we would be a people who trust in God’s sovereignty, even when the outcome isn’t what we expected or hoped for.

At the end of the day, our mission as followers of Jesus doesn’t change based on who’s in the White House. We are called to be salt and light, ambassadors of Christ, and people of peace. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him, and let our actions reflect the values of His Kingdom, no matter who holds political power.

Let’s pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for our world. But let’s also remember: Our ultimate allegiance is to a different Kingdom, one that will never fade away.

Always True

Pastor Mike