Back in September 2023 — more than a year out from the 2024 presidential election — nearly two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) were already saying that they always or often felt exhausted when thinking about politics. Fifty-five percent said they felt angry. By contrast, just 10 percent said they always or often felt hopeful about politics, and even fewer (4 percent) felt excited, according to a Pew Research Center report.

While some are certainly energized by the upcoming election, the majority are just tired of politics. The combination of a 24-hour news cycle, angry politicking, and the feeling of powerlessness to advance meaningful change has resulted in widespread exhaustion that has tempted even the most engaged to withdraw.

It is increasingly difficult to identify how to exist — let alone thrive — in this political context without being overcome by anger or anxiety, giving in to apathy, or selling out to a particular political party or ideology. But as God’s people, we have been commissioned to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). And we know that God has promised to equip us with everything good for doing his will (Hebrews 13:21).

Our responsibility to society is grounded in the truth that all people are made in the image of God. Though we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, we can find full restoration in our living Lord. Truth that brings life leads to flourishing and results in ongoing hope that guides our day-to-day approach to civic engagement.

In the cover article, Luke Bretherton explores the idea of being salt and light in today’s politics. He argues that from a Scriptural and practical standpoint, politics is the only good option for Christians to form a common life with those who have different visions of life. Other articles in this issue of Evangelicals magazine explore the responsibilities that pastors and church leaders have in this moment, how Christians can maintain a heart posture toward politics that guards against its ills, what it looks like to be faithful within political parties, and why the courageous middle is so important.

Brothers and sisters, we can engage this election season (and others to come) with hope — hope not based on particular candidates or the status of a particular party, but hope that comes from knowing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose dominion knows no end.