This Tuesday is Election Day in the United States. Millions of citizens will cast their vote for the candidates of their choice with the hope that those candidates will move our country, state, county, or city in a positive direction.

As a voter who is also a Christian, I hope for even more than that when I cast my ballot. I still–after living in Illinois my whole life–have the hope that the people I am voting for are people of virtue and integrity. I know, I know, who am I kidding? But, I really still do hold out that hope every year.

Now, I only know about the candidates what I can see, read, and hear so I won’t know if any of the candidates actually attain my stated hope. But, I watched a movie earlier this year for the first time–one that turned 75-years-old this year–that showed me what that candidate would look like. Yes, I’m talking about “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”. It is a “must watch” for anyone who thinks that one person can’t make a difference politically and not sell their soul doing so!

I have been doing some reading about the movie and found out that the premiere took place in Washington, D.C. at Constitution Hall with almost 300 members of Congress in attendance. If you have seen the movie, you can imagine that the members of Congress were not impressed at all as many were shown as scoundrels! In fact, according to reports, Joseph Kennedy tried to get the film shut down in Europe! (Breakpoint Commentary, 10/22/14)

Now, our faith teaches us that there are no perfect leaders this side of Heaven and until Jesus returns we will have to deal with fallen humans as our leaders. But, as Christians we do have dual citizenship–we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and citizens where we are planted now. We can’t withdrawal from the public arena. As Scripture says, we give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s. (Matthew 22:21)

So, this week if you are reading this is the U.S. (and for those of you not in the U.S. when your Election Day comes), you have two challenges: first is to prayerfully vote Tuesday. There are countless people around the world who don’t get the option of a fair election so let’s never take it for granted! Your second challenge is watch (either again or for the first time) “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”. You can get it through Netflix or Amazon. Watch it with the whole family! You won’t be disappointed! It will give you hope in our cynical times!

More to come…
Jeremy