2024 Fasting Devotional

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34

I recently had a conversation with a young person who was on the fence about voting in this year’s election. He noted his distrust of the Electoral College and disappointment in the political system and politicians in general. In his opinion, they all seem to do what they want to do and tell us what they think we want to hear. I could not help but agree as I too recognize that our political system could use a lot of improvement.

Too often we see dishonor of their oaths of office, corruption, political jockeying for more and more power and a blatant disregard of “the will of the people”. The last 12 years, particularly on a national scale, has revealed some of the darkest places of the human heart, especially in pursuit of power, and 2020 has seemingly been the all time low.  The politicizing of our response to Covid 19, the resurgence of racial tensions, and the sheer nastiness of this election, tempts me also to feel that it is hopeless; so why even bother. Why vote, why speak up, why even try to stand for what is right?  Afterall, this world is ‘going to hell in a handbasket’ as it is said.

Shortly after the conversation, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “it is righteousness that exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”  This scripture, found in Proverbs 14:34 changed my perspective. If we as Christians fail to show up, in the darkness, then what hope is there? Our collective righteousness lifts up our world and counters the collective evil and sin that is bringing it down.  The only way that people see the light, is it shines in darkness. 

Jesus put it this way in Matt 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Despite the darkness, lets choose to be the light. For indeed, it is righteousness that exalts a nation.