November 8, 2024

Election Results and Reactions, Pro-Choice Amendments, AUS Social Media Bans

November 08, 2024

November 8, 2024

“In acceptance lies peace.”

Amy Carmichael

Election Results and Reactions
Pro-Choice Amendments
Aussie Social Media Ban
Other news you should know
Remnant Resources

Election Results and Reactions

Just days after Election Day, the nation is still absorbing the results and awaiting final counts in a few key races. Republicans have secured control of the Senate with a 53-seat majority (Democrats holding 45 seats), with two races still too close to call. In the House, Republicans currently lead with 211 seats to the Democrats' 199, and 25 races remain undecided. The country is also reacting to Donald Trump's sweeping victory, as he won both the popular vote and the Electoral College, marking a significant shift in U.S. politics. Several state amendments were also passed, including measures on reproductive rights, voting access, and drug policy reform, reflecting a range of regional policy priorities. The political landscape ahead promises to be dynamic as these new representatives and policies begin to take shape.

While Americans continue to examine election results with great elation, great despair, guarded optimism, or humble acceptance, there is one response that is always God-honoring as the Lord examines a nation and its people (Genesis 18:20-21). Irrespective of the government that stands over men or the depravity that surrounds them, the remnant has been given a clear command (Isaiah 40:8). This command would stand regardless of how swing states voted and without concern for the number of "swingers" who occupy your state (Genesis 18:20). God expects His chosen to "command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice" so that "the LORD may bring upon them what He has spoken about them" (Genesis 18:19).

Whether it is ~1900 BC and your name is Abraham hanging around the Oaks in Mamre (Genesis 18:1), or it is 2024 and you live in Oakland, California, God's will for you remains the same (Hebrews 13:8). He expects you to lead your family and those around you in practicing righteousness and justice (Micah 6:8) and keep the way of the Lord so it "may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may live long on the land which the LORD your God is giving you for all time" (Deuteronomy 4:40).

So while you continue to watch results of still too-close-to-call House and Senate seats, make sure you surround yourself with Godly spiritual leaders who will help you "keep watch over your souls" (Hebrews 13:17), knowing each of us will one day "appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). So while there may be "bad votes" during every election cycle, may it never be said there are "bad deeds" among the elect (Galatians 6:9).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Pro-Choice Amendments

Earlier this week, ten states voted on abortion rights measures, with mixed outcomes. Voters in Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Montana, and Nevada passed measures to "protect or expand abortion access." Notably, Arizona and Missouri's decisions overturned previous abortion limits, and Colorado's measure allows public funds to support abortion services, including Medicaid coverage.

Conversely, attempts to enshrine abortion access failed in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Florida's measure narrowly missed the 60% threshold needed to pass. In Nebraska, voters supported a 12-week ban, rejecting a competing amendment for broader access.

Jesus never said His ways would be popular. Instead, He warned, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18). Biblical truth doesn't bend to the will of a voting majority, nor was it intended to be subject to popular approval. The recent measures passed in several states expanding abortion access show how society often chooses convenience over conviction, prioritizing comfort over conscience (2 Timothy 4:3).

It is crucial to recognize that the pro-choice side has always said, "There is only one life, the mother, who is worthy of life, dignity, and protection." But the pro-life side has always said, "There are two people, the mother and the baby, who are worthy of life, dignity, and protection" (Jeremiah 1:5). The remnant must be clear: it is never compassionate to kill an innocent human (Exodus 23:7). As Christians, we're tasked not with shaping truth to fit culture, but with calling culture to account, reminding society that all life is sacred in God's eyes (Psalm 139:13-14).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had something to say to those who championed the idea that you can't "legislate morality," contending, "But we must go on to say that while it may be true that morality cannot be legislated, behavior can be regulated. It may be true that the law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless. It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that is pretty important, also."

Christians should acknowledge that putting in place legal protections for all innocent humans may not truly sanctify the human heart of your neighbor, but it can keep them from killing their baby. And I think that is pretty important, also.

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will introduce legislation next week to ban children from using social media, including platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The ban, set to take effect one year after approval, aims to address the risks to mental and physical health linked to excessive social media use among young people. While social media companies like Meta are expected to enforce age limitations, there is some opposition, with concerns about privacy and the lack of clarity on enforcement. Critics, including independent lawmakers and child safety experts, argue that the ban could be too broad and discourage platforms from enhancing child safety features.

A prolific amount of research implicates social media as a major antagonist in the lives of modern-day youth. While there may be nuance to the practicality or concerns about the enforcement of such legislation, there can be no denying that there is an issue of nearly epic proportions to address here. Scripture celebrates leaders who see problems and create solutions. It also celebrates people and cultures who seek to protect children (Proverbs 31:8-9) and condemns those who expose or endanger them (Matthew 18:6). In the face of the many crises created by access to social media, we see as much of a need for parents to step up as we do for policies to be set up. Children should be trained up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), discipled, taught, and exposed to the Way of Life (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Ephesians 6:4). When parents neglect this God-given responsibility, the role is readily taken up by a world, strategy, and strategist committed to their destruction (Ephesians 6:12, John 10:10). Don’t wait for the government to come up with imperfect solutions (with unclear implications) to do what time, attention, thoughtfulness, and love can.