Surrender is Not an Option

Written by David E. Smith

The November 3rd midterm elections tightened the Left’s grip on Springfield. Governor JB Pritzker won an unprecedented third term, and Democrats expanded their supermajorities in both the Illinois House and Senate.

With one party in control of the executive, legislative and judicial branches for at least the next two years, we expect a renewed push for laws that radically expand government power, raise taxes and jeopardize the sanctity of human life, parental rights, and religious freedom.

It seems that after every election, somebody tells us the fight for Illinois is over. I love what Illinois Family Action board member Stephanie Trussell says on her Sunday evening radio program:

“I don’t have an exit plan, I have a battle plan!”

Jesus is still Lord of the Land of Lincoln. Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Family Action are staying right here. We’ll keep speaking the truth in the public square, defending faith, family, and freedom, and equipping Christians to respond biblically to the issues of the day.

We refuse to pack up, we refuse to go home, and we refuse to be silent. No matter who occupies the Capitol, the Congress, the Governor’s Mansion, or the White House, we’ll keep slugging it out for faith, family, and freedom.

God put us here, in the shadow of Chicago and Springfield, on purpose. So let’s pray for our elected officials. Let’s speak up when lawmakers propose evil legislation or threaten our freedoms. And let’s help our churches and neighbors see how bad public policy affects their families and communities.

In a week of deep disappointment, three things remain as vital as ever.

Faith. God is sovereign over all creation. These election results didn’t surprise Him. We trust Jesus Christ, our just and merciful Judge, who is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again in glory.

Hope. Our hope rests in God, who is perfectly holy, just, and merciful. His promises give us a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:18–19). The light of His Word still shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

Love. “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). As His ambassadors, we bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), speak up for the preborn and their mothers, rescue the perishing (Proverbs 24:11), stand with parents, and defend the freedom to live out our faith. That’s a big part of how we love our neighbors in the public square (Matthew 22:39).

Building a society that honors God is generational work. Some of its deepest foundations are laid around dinner tables, in churches, and in neighborhoods. No election can take that work from us. Galatians 6:9 reminds us to keep doing good even when we’re weary and the harvest seems a long way off.

Thank you for standing with us through this election season. We worked hard to advance biblical values, and we couldn’t have done it without your prayers and support. As lawmakers return to Springfield and Washington, D.C., in January, we’ll keep you informed about which bills we’re watching and when your voice can make a difference. Please consider giving to support the ongoing work of IFI and IFA as we encourage Christians to live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Who do you know?

Think of two or three friends, relatives, or coworkers who care about protecting the sanctity of life, opposing efforts to transition children, defending parental rights, upholding the sanctity of marriage, and preserving religious freedom. Send them this article and invite them to stand with us.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)