German Elections
Germany has a new presumptive Chancellor and the prospect of a new coalition government after German voters went to the polls and awarded the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party more than 28% of the seats in parliament. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a little more than 20% of parliament, followed by the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) with 16%, The Greens party with 12%, and The Left party with 9%. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is now working to negotiate a coalition government agreement to accomplish a function majority in parliament.
Analysis and eternal perspective: National elections are highly visible moments that reflect societal change. Depending on the governing system, they are often trailing indicators of changes in the culture. As a Jesus follower, you should both, a) understand and acknowledge that electoral control is not your ultimate goal, and b) be keenly aware of the significant impact governments of men can have on the here and now.
This is one of the regular tensions we work to balance together as The Equipped family. We are citizens of heaven, and our ultimate devotion is to that Kingdom (Phillip. 3:20). At the same time, we are clearly charged as ambassadors for Jesus and specifically appointed with duties in the earthly realm (2 Cor. 5:20). As you hold these duties together, you should not be overly consumed by the things of this world, but you should give of yourself for those living in it. It is not always an easy thing to ascertain, much less carry out.
The governments of this world—both in your country and beyond—will come and go. But the Kingdom of your God is forever, and your place in this world is intended as a means through which others can be introduced to the everlasting Kingdom!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.