If you are a Christian conservative, you surely do not support many of the policies of the Democratic Party, and you have no desire to see Vice President Kamala Harris elected as president, regardless of your sentiments concerning former President Donald Trump. Personally, I dread the thought of what someone like Kamala Harris could do as president of the United States.

Yet there could be an unintended spiritual benefit to having a radical leftist in the White House.

Again, that is not something I want to see. Absolutely, categorically not. In fact, to focus on one issue alone, I have frequently stated that, in my opinion, a true follower of Jesus cannot vote for a pro-abortion candidate. Let there be no misunderstanding of my views.

Yet if we do end up with President Harris, it could ultimately benefit the Church of America — by which I mean true believers in Jesus — which could ultimately benefit the nation as a whole.

Curing Us of Our Political Idols

That’s because it’s all too easy for Christian conservatives to look to their candidate as the one who can change the nation.

He (or she) will appoint the right judges to the courts.

He (or she) will help fight against the prevailing social evils.

He (or she) will push back against the radical leftist agenda.

He (or she) will get our nation back on track.

He (or she) will make America great again.

But with someone like Joe Biden as president or, even more radically, someone like Kamala Harris in the Oval Office, we would have no such hopes.

To the contrary, we would recognize that the White House was often working against our interests and values, be it by seeking to federalize the “right” to abortion. Or by aggressively supporting LGBTQ+ activism. Or by undermining our religious freedoms. Or by failing with stand with Israel. Or by making our borders even more porous. The list is really quite long.

Appeal to Heaven

And rather than lobbying our man (or woman) in the White House, we would be seeking the help of God with great earnestness and devotion.

We would spend more time in fasting and prayer.

We would give ourselves more passionately to the Great Commission.

We would become more active on the local level, advocating for our values in the schools, in our communities, in our local elections.

Simply stated, rather than taking our foot off the pedal once we succeeded in getting our candidate elected, we would pray and seek God’s help even more earnestly after the elections. And rather than relying on our access to the Oval Office through our relationship with the president, we would rely on our access to the Throne Room in Heaven.

In the words of the psalmist, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2)

We would know that, without any doubt, our help came only from the Lord.

As It Was in the Beginning

This is how it was for the first generation of believers living in the Roman Empire under leaders like Nero.

They had no vote.

They had no governmental power.

They had no national voice.

And while they were called to pray for their leaders, the goal of those prayers was the salvation of those leaders and an environment free from persecution. As Paul wrote,

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4)

As for the idea of making Rome even greater, that was the last thought on their minds. Rome represented the kingdom of this world. They were living for the Kingdom of God.

We do well to remember these principles, especially if our desired candidates win the elections, since, as stated, it is all too easy for us to look to politics to do what only the Gospel can do — namely, bring transformation from the inside out.

As for our vision for America, we must remember that our beloved country represents the kingdom of this world more than the Kingdom of God, despite our Christian heritage. And it is only by us living out our Kingdom values that we can bring blessing to the nation as a whole.

That also means that, more than loving America, we should love Americans, bringing the good news of Jesus to them and seeking what is best on their behalf.

So, by all means, let us pray for God’s will in the elections, let us be well-informed about the relevant issues and where each candidate stands on them, and let us cast our votes carefully. But under no circumstances should we put our trust in the White House, regardless of who is elected.

To do so is delusional at best and idolatrous at worst.

Dr. Michael Brown is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. He is the author of more than 40 books, including Can You be Gay and Christian?; Our Hands Are Stained With Blood; and Seize the Moment: How to Fuel the Fires of Revival. You can connect with him on Facebook, X, or YouTube.