YOU have been elected.

YOU have been elected.

Nov 04

Note: this article was submitted to our local paper on Monday, November 3, 2008 – prior to
the presidential election. It will be published on Wednesday morning, November 6, 2008.

This has been one of the ugliest and most unkind elections in the history of our nation. Today many celebrate a hard fought victory while others mourn a bitter loss. Changes in leadership, parties and policies will now take place in our nation, states and local communities.  I think all of us are relieved to have it over (except, perhaps, the news media and late night comedy shows) – I, for one, don’t want to hear, “… and I approve of this message” for at least four more years – IF ever! Yes, the elections are over, but now the real work MUST begin. The people of our nation are deeply and almost evenly divided on many, many issues. The fact that one candidate won the election in no way erases this fundamental reality. These nationwide divisions are not only ideological, but also deeply emotional. I find myself greatly concerned about our nation’s future. It seems inevitable that the next four years will be filled with arguing, finger-pointing, blame-shifting, and disgust as both sides continue to throw political punches at one another.

Can anything help to heal our nation? Can anything bring us back to more civil discourse about the crucial issues in our time? Yes, I believe so. I believe we (you & me) can help to accomplish these worthy goals. While Jesus was on earth, He challenged US to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), to forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14) and to love, not only our neighbors (Matthew 22:39), but even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). We who follow Jesus Christ should treat our political opponents in the same spirit of our Lord even as we call others to do the same. We should live a life full of grace, mercy, generosity, kindness and great love! By the way, these principles can be applied to any life for immediate improvement regardless of your religious orientation.

One of the things that sadden me, at times, is that the ‘religious’ in America often contribute to the discord in our land, rather than helping to heal it. Some of the most venomous rhetoric in this last election has come from church pulpits and pundits. This is tragic and wrong.

I believe in the right to free speech. I also believe in the power of God and His church. I believe the Bible is true and when followed in earnestness always produces an improvement in the way we live and the way we love. I believe that it’s important for us to speak our convictions clearly and courageously – and do this in such a way that our words are always validated by our lives. And ultimately, our message should never be inconsistent with the character & example of Christ.

IF I want to see change in my country, community or even my family, then I must take responsibility for myself.  Yes, look in the mirror and say, “YOU have been elected” and then choose to seek to improve everything and anything that I can. So, long before we can become peacemakers, Christians in America need to repent for the ways we have contributed to the meanness of our national discourse.  I’m personally evaluating my life this week and wholeheartedly seeking to change and improve.  I’m praying and believing that God still desires to bless America.  I am willing and available to be His instrument for peace, compassion and reconciliation.

I believe that all Christians and all churches, no matter what our political convictions, must unreservedly accept the call and promise of Jesus in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

I’ve been elected, so have you!  Real change must first happen in our hearts.  Maybe this seems overwhelming or pointless… mumbling, “I’ll never make a difference… one person can’t change anything.”  Well, let me leave you with the words of Bono, “I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me.”

Let’s be the change we want to see in our world, nation, community and home.  It starts with you and me. I better get busy and so should you because…

YOU have been elected.

my girl, Riley, blogged about the elections as well.  great insight & maturity from a 16 year old! Read it HERE!