Cynthia L. Eppley 11/2/2020
Politics
Unless you are living under a rock, you would know there is an election tomorrow. It has been called the biggest election of our times, with long lasting effects.
Perhaps it ranks right up there with COVID in how it has affected our lives, and the implications of it all.
The reactions to it all are varied, and swing from one spectrum to another.
Reactions
There are families that have separated from each other.
There is the “Different Holiday” where families have “disinvited” themselves from the table.
There are families that have come to fisticuffs. Some families have decided a “No Politics Zone” at home.
There is fear and anxiety, while we keep an eye on the Stock Market.
How do we keep an even keel in the midst of this storm?
And how do we know how to anticipate the aftermath, no matter what our political persuasion?
I could write a blog on how this all plays out, but others have addressed it succinctly. And so I share those thoughts here:
Resources:
This blog is a succinct summary of Scripture that addresses the election happening tomorrow:
God reigns
From Barbara Lee Harper’s blog:
“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).
Our church has read through large chunks of the Old Testament over the last year. No matter who was in charge of what earthly kingdom, God was always at work, sometimes overtly, sometimes “behind the scenes.”
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
Unity
From my friend Dr. Gary Shogren, San Jose, Costa Rica
On Nov. 1: All Saint’s Day.
The day of the year when we remember that: it doesn’t matter your race, gender, nationality, status as outsider or insider, free or imprisoned, economic level, or – esp in 2020 – political affiliation. All saints means what it means, all saints, period.
May the unity of November 1 wash away the disunity of November 3.
Gracious Father, We pray for thy holy universal Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.
Choose
And more from Dr. Shogren:
An invitation to my Christian friends in the US:
Choose, right now, today, how you will act if your candidate LOSES on Tuesday.
Choose, right now, today, how you will act if your candidate WINS on Tuesday.
Not “good loser”/”good winner,” but holy loser/holy winner.
No matter the election results, Paul has already told us that a man or woman of God will REJECT idolatry (including the idolizing of a politician), hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, dissensions, factions and envy.
The man or woman of God will EMBRACE – no, better, invoke the Spirit to manifest – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (all from Gal 5). No buts, no, “but 2020 is different!!”, no exceptions.
Wednesday morning is not the time to decide how you will comport yourself! And that decision to love is exponentially more important than the candidate you vote for.
God’s Authority
While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who has not surrendered His authority. A.W. Tozer
Close to Home
In our own family, we have had major discussions around politics. The outcome has not always been pleasant. There have been times of distance and silence.
But eventually, through dedication and commitment, the foundation of love was realized and confirmed.
By working at it, love broke through.
And for those who are still in this struggle with family or friends?
We pray for reconciliation.
Love and Faithfulness
Psalm 85:10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
At the end of the day? Love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace prevail.
Let this be our goal on Wed., Nov 4.
Let this be our goal as mail in ballots are counted.
And let this be our goal throughout this political season, and in life.
Counseling from a Christian View 