When Politics Becomes an Idol: Five Warning Signs for Christians

Our emotional well-being rises and falls with election results.

I don't know. When something happens I'm pleased with, my emotional well-being rises. Like when my grandchildren were born. It is natural to feel pleased when things we deem to be good actually happen.

We just had an election in my province. I was elated at the outcome. Our commie-adjacent premier was deservedly thrown out on his ear. The guy I voted for in my riding won! Surprise, surprise! I usually end up voting for losers.

Now we wait to see how this new crowd turns out, but I don't think it is idolatry to be up or down depending on election results.

Doesn't Proverbs say something about the people rejoicing, or groaning, when their kings are wise, or foolish? So in a way, some of our emotions ought to be engaged due to how the process of politics goes, and that's fine and Biblical.

My thought is a bit more restricted, that politics gets out of hand in the church when people start ignoring basic moral/Biblical precepts as they "petition the king", i.e. vote, campaign, etc.. There is a fine line between holding your nose for someone who's obviously not perfect and hagiography to pretend he is.

Doesn't Proverbs say something about the people rejoicing, or groaning, when their kings are wise, or foolish? So in a way, some of our emotions ought to be engaged due to how the process of politics goes, and that's fine and Biblical.

My thought is a bit more restricted, that politics gets out of hand in the church when people start ignoring basic moral/Biblical precepts as they "petition the king", i.e. vote, campaign, etc.. There is a fine line between holding your nose for someone who's obviously not perfect and hagiography to pretend he is.

It is not unusual for me to rejoice like Don did in his post, because of who lost, while not being too exited based on who won. That is why both what Don and what Bert wrote make sense to me. It is also why although I believe who wins does matter, my ultimate security is in Christ, not any political leader.

while not being too exited based on who won

That's how I feel after most elections!

Although I have been disappointed that we do not have better leaders I am not yet ready to exit this country. I will say however that I would approve of a short visit to Canada for a nice vacation.