Wednesday, November 7, 2012

My Obligatory Election Post

Yesterday Jon Acuff over at Stuff Christians Like encouraged Christian bloggers, in the "The election post you have to write", to write one of two things today:

1. If your candidate lost, you have to write:
God is sovereign and will provide. He is still in control. Everything is going to be all right.

2. If your candidate won, you have to write:
God is good and has provided. He is still in control. Everything is going to be all right.

I want to add to Jon's advice the verse that keeps coming to me:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  (Hebrews 13:8)

The guy I voted for didn't win.  I do not think I wasted my vote.  I think this election was a good one and lots of people exercised the freedom we have in America - which is first and foremost, the opportunity to vote according to our beliefs.  Having lived outside the US (and am about to again), it is clear to me that our democracy works and we are still an incredible nation with unrivaled opportunity.

I now know not to use my faith-based political feelings as a stumbling block for others.  What I want to do is to show people that Christians are not just a bunch of two-faced haters.  I have tried not to post things on social media that will stir the pot.  I can still stand on the truth of Scripture and love the person who thinks differently.

There is a reason the early church (you know the one shortly after Jesus' ascension) was so powerful.  They not only spoke the truth in love - they lived it.  They gave people a glimpse of the true Kingdom of God, what Jesus came to give us - a restored connection to our Creator. 

I believe there is nothing more powerful than showing someone you love them, no matter what.  In a life of grace, one that demonstrates all the forgiveness, mercy and blessing we've been given, change can and will happen around us.  It's not up to us how people respond.  It's not up to us to change the world.  It's up to the Lord because He is in charge and He is good.

Our responsibility is to live like it.

Don't pray out of fear or bitterness and don't let judgement push people away from the truth.  Don't be that guy (or girl) who bemoans the fate of the US because of who won the election.  Be that Christian who loves Jesus more than whether or not your guy won.  Be that Christian who prays from confidence in the power of our God. 

We have more than Moses, more than a mediator, more than a President - we have a king, a savior and a priest in Christ (Hebrews 8).  Be that Christian that shakes hands and gives hugs, willing to do whatever is necessary to bring a little Jesus into someone's day.

Be that Christian that prays for our President, whether you voted for him or not.  Pray also for our congressional leaders because they hold a lot of power too.  Just be that Christian who prays because in your prayers, Christ is listening and He will respond.

1 comment:

Renae said...

Love this post!! Very well said.