As we wait eagerly, anxiously, for all the votes to be counted, I can’t help but grieve over the state of our nation. But on a more acute level, I’m hurting over the state of the Church. As Christians on both sides of the political spectrum await the outcome, I can’t help but wonder if we have forfeited the Way of Jesus for what we believe was and is the Will of God.
The Christians on the right will shout,
“It’s God’s will that Trump be our president! God is about life and liberty.”
The Christians on the left will scoff,
“How can God support a president, a person like Trump, it’s obvious that God is supportive of Biden’s disposition and policies for America.”
But as we vilify the opposition we may find ourselves swept further away from the Ways of Christ like a person swept by heavy currents.
The world vilifies their enemies,
Christians are called to pray for theirs.
In our pursuit for what’s right,
we may have also practiced what some call,
the Fundamental Attribution Error.
“The fundamental attribution error is simply this: human beings tend to falsely attribute the negative behaviors of others to their character (an internal attribution), while they contribute their own negative behaviors to their environment (an external attribution)….” - Simon Sinek
We voted for so and so because we are good, righteous, smart, and they have voted for so and so because they are arrogant, greedy, racist, evil, and stupid.
Let me ask you a question,
when’s the last time you prayed for those you disagree with?
When’s the last time you judged them,
attributing what you believe are negative and ignorant behaviors to their character?
You see, in our pursuit of God’s will, we’ve given up God’s ways.
Here are some Ways of Christ, I’d like for us to re-consider;
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Jesus of Nazareth | Matthew 5:44-48
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” - Jesus of Nazareth | Matthew 7:1-3
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” - Jesus of Nazareth | Matthew 5:23-25
As Christians we are called to pursue God’s Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven and we are called to do it as Citizens of Heaven. What we fight for and how we fight for it matters. They both matter. The harsh reality may be that although our candidate may win the election, we may have forfeited our witness along the way. What good is it if we gain power (or the whole world) but forfeit our soul and our witness?
So, dear brothers and sisters, fight for what you believe in but stay a “disciple” of Jesus Christ. Seek justice and righteousness but do not become a Pharisee along the way. Participate and pray for the peace and prosperity of your city, state, country, but remember you are and will always be an “exile” here. As this nation braces itself for a long fight after the votes are counted, prepare yourself to live according to The Christ Way whether you feel God’s Will was achieved or not… because at the end of the day, no one will be able to stop God’s plans and God’s will, but we can definitely stop ourselves from becoming the Salt and Light God intended us to be during these dark times.
Because He Lives,
PB
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For more of The Ways of Christ, see Ekko’s link; https://www.ekkopractices.com