Last night I watched a presidential debate for the first time this year. And I was reminded with shocking clarity that even the best form of government is terribly broken, and even the best major political party is unreliable.

For a nominally-informed civilian like myself, I find it overwhelming at times to evaluate all the different policies on immigration, budget reform, and international relations (for example) and conclude which one is the best — the candidates each present their positions quite convincingly and in some cases tear down the others. And when the debate does degenerate into raw (and at times juvenile or even vulgar) argument, it makes the whole process even more distasteful.

Additionally, there is the unknown of whether these candidates could even fulfill their promises if given the chance. I have more confidence in some than others, but all of them face an America divided at the deepest of levels. Then there are all the stories posted to Facebook that accuse this candidate and then another of indecent, deceptive, and immoral campaigning techniques. And to make it worse, an unfortunate common sense analysis of these stories is that it is what it is — it's politics.

The vainglorious attitude of some of the candidates, the necessary self-elevation of the others, the increasing division within both major political parties (no longer liberalism vs. conservatism, but now liberalism vs. socialism vs. populism vs. conservatism), and the significance of the stakes this time regarding abortion, marriage, national security, judicial practice, religious freedom, and national debt further complicate this presidential race.

Now, I happen to believe that a Democratic Republic is the best form of modern government, and I also believe that America has represented the best model of that. Furthermore, by biblical conviction, I hold to a similar worldview as many conservatives in the Republican Party, and I believe there are some candidates who are valid and promising, and one of them will have my vote.

However, I'm convinced that what we need is not the continuation of a Democratic Republic or the election of a conservative Republican candidate (although I hope both happen). Neither that system nor any of those candidates can be the kind of savior we desperately require.

We need an omniscient, omnipotent, gracious King. We need one Leader who knows all things absolutely and has all power unquestionably, but who is loving and merciful unwaveringly. We need Him to rule over all, for all eternity. Nothing less than that will do. That is not just America's hope; that is the only hope for our entire planet.

And that is the very hope that is at the center of what we Christians believe. We believe that the King came to earth once before, not to establish an earthly kingdom, but to deliver us from our spiritual tyrant (Hebrews 2:14-18). And having died on a cross for the sin of the world and having been raised from the dead to prove His victory, we are persuaded that He is awaiting the set time to reclaim Earth as His rightful domain (Ephesians 1:20-23). And He will come, and He will reign in power and excellence, in goodness and grace, in righteousness and truth, in joy and glory forever and ever. Our only hope is You, King Jesus!

So, what a blessed foretaste to turn off the debate, get into bed, wake up the next morning ... and gather with the body of Christ on the Lord's Day! "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). I hope my candidate wins the White House, but I know my King will win the world! That confidence is a needed anchor as the political climate changes and as the global storm clouds gather.

​I'm currently watching my parents walk through a significant valley together. Mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve, and their lives have been turned upside down. They are a sweet Christian couple, working now to apply the hope of the gospel to their difficult encounters. Each day brings new questions and unforeseen challenges, and so they are laboring to anchor themselves to the Word of God. They know that their days together may be fewer than they anticipated, so they are choosing to rejoice in the promises of God and ultimately in His "never leaving, never forsaking" person. Watching them makes me love and appreciate them even more.

I recently read a memorial that my dad wrote about his dad who passed away about a year ago. It was an honorable testimony to a humble man, and in reading about my grandfather, I immediately noticed his legacy in my dad. I was reminded of my dad's consistency character, genuine kindness, loyal friendship, and others-centered service. I read of my grandfather and was reminded of my dad's diligent work ethic and loving commitment to his family. When I read my dad's reflection that his dad "gave [him] quality time by giving [him] the quantity of his time," I knew I had found the source of a parenting philosophy that I had benefited from as a boy and teenager. I read of grandpa's late, but simple and sure faith in His Savior Jesus Christ, and I saw parallels to dad's deep and abiding faith. Reflecting on my dad in this way makes me love and appreciate him even more.

I've occasionally heard, after a particularly sobering and devastating news report perhaps, this earnest counsel given: "Go home and hug your wife and kids." This common sense wisdom is being provoked afresh by the shortness of life and the preciousness of relationships. And so, we are being rightly encouraged to draw our family close, to wrap our arms around those we love and cherish, and to thank God that they are still with us.

I've been watching my parents, reading about my grandfather, and reflecting on my dad, and my thoughts have echoed within me, "Keith, go home and hug your mom and dad"! It's been a privilege to call them mom and dad, their relationship is a precious one to me, and I thank God that our times together have been so numerous.

Dear young adult, I want to encourage you to do the same—to "go home and hug your mom and dad." Perhaps I'm more reminiscent, nostalgic, and tender these days, and so this admonition is being provoked by some emotional ponderings. But I think it's a good admonition. After all, Ephesians 6:2 says, "Honor your father and mother."

So, put aside any annoying disagreements and petty frustrations that may have built up between you, and "go home and hug your mom and dad." Seriously, drop by their house on your way home from work, pick up the phone and give them a call, draft an email, take them out to breakfast, send them flowers. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them and thank God for them. Honor them with affection. Yes, "go home and hug your mom and dad."

Have you ever found yourself asking Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Do you ever feel like there are so many opinions on an issue, you can’t possibly wade through them all and come to a personal conviction? Have you ever thought that an issue is so confusing that you can’t possibly know the right conclusion? Have you ever been overwhelmed trying to figure out how to answer a question, think through an issue, engage in a conversation, or make a decision? Yep — join the club! I’ve felt that way a lot.

However, part of what makes you and me unique, Christian, is that we have access to truth! Thomas a Kempis said, “He who hears the Word of God is freed from a multitude of opinions.” God’s Word is able to cut through the confusion and give us clarity (Hebrews 4:15). It cannot do that for everyone, but for those us of who have the indwelling Spirit of God through faith in Jesus, we can know the mind of God in His Word on all the issues of life (1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

The Word of God itself promises to equip us with knowledge, so that “we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14). In a post-modern world of relative truth, differing voices, complex issues, and volatile disagreements, you can have serene confidence as you think, discern, and decide.

But there is a price to pay for such clarity and confidence. You and I must “study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Friend, make time for God’s Word today. Life is too perplexing, the issues are too important, the decisions are too impacting, and the truth is too little known. Don’t let the opinions of others confuse you; rather, let the Word of God establish you!