ONE PASTOR'S REPONSE TO THE RECENT ELECTION

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

In the divisive atmosphere of the presidential elections, it is far too easy to either gloat or sulk, depending on who you voted for. What follows is not about the outcome the election but rather what our response as Christians and the church, the Body of Christ, is and always should be no matter who is elected.

There is no such thing as a perfect human government or presidential administration. No matter who is elected or what political party is in power, there will be some who will benefit from it, and some who will be negatively impacted by it. No matter what promises are made, we will never reach that “land of milk and honey” where no one goes hungry, no one falls between the cracks, everyone has adequate housing, educational opportunities, full employment and health care, and people feel safe on the streets and in their homes. Human governance is never truly just. Jesus said the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26:11). Like it or not, that is the universal human condition, no matter who rules in any political office.

As Christians, we claim a higher power than human governments and politicians. We claim Christ Jesus as our savior and our Lord, our King. It is Christ upon whom the governance of the Kingdom of heaven, the church and our lives is grounded. Under Christ's rule, we are held to higher standard. Controlled by Christ's love, we are called to behave in counter-intuitive and counter-cultural ways as we see to the needs of the least, the forgotten, the unwanted and the overlooked among us. (Matthew 25:31-46)

Political beliefs do not give anyone an excuse to partake in or support unloving actions. Whether gloating or sulking, Scriptures teach a different way to be under the rule of Christ:

  • Pray for and love those that disagree with you, whom you dislike or hate and those you find threatening. (Matthew 5:43-48)
  • Pray of our elected and appointed leaders. (I Timothy 2:1-3)
  • Work for peace and prosperity in our local and global communities. (Jeremiah 29:7)
  • Share Christ's love in a way that welcomes, advocates for and transforms the lives of the poor among us. (Matthew 25:31-46.

In this season and beyond, let us live peace and shine God's love in ways that witness our faith and gives honor to our king, Christ Jesus, Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.


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