The mid term elections are a reminder there is a battle in the hearts and minds of Americans. The ballot box will give us results of the political battle immediately, but the results for the condition of your heart will be seen only after the votes are tabulated. Before today, harsh generalizations, racism, and divisiveness have been the headlines. People actually believe the problems are political, race oriented and sex based. As a Christian, I don’t think anyone short of Jesus is going to solve the problems in our world. So, regardless of who wins on Tuesday, November 6, I will still submit to the governing authority in my state and nation. Will you?
The current environment is due to an increasing deficit of love in our world. If you’ve ever been to a wedding you’ve probably heard someone read from the 13th chapter in the book of 1st Corinthians. At the end of the chapter, Paul makes a prescient statement after describing the nature and characteristics of true love. Paul talks about maturity and the fact as time passes most things fade away but three things never will. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13:13. After listening to political advertisements the past few weeks, if love remains, it doesn’t seem to be on the ballot.
The midterm elections show what Paul was talking about in Corinthians. People have exercised faith…in political parties and candidates. People cast ballots with hope…that a candidate or party will make the world a better place. If your faith and hope fade away when the ballots are counted, will you still have love…for America and everyone who voted differently than you did? Christians are reminded, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2. So, if you lose kicking and screaming you are rebelling against God, not a process or a party.
The words of Jesus are a good reminder for Republicans and Democrats. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great…Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36. I guess the coming days will show you and others who your daddy is. If anyone claims to be a Christian, remember, “…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6. Love is a mantra for Jesus in the New Testament. I wish everyone would make love their platform.
I stood in line to vote today at the same precinct I have been voting in for almost 25 years. I was reminded that although I was voting with my neighbors, my neighbors don’t always look like me, vote like me or act like me. Jesus experienced the same thing in His day. Those who were different than Christ got in His face and taunted him about their differences in thinking and beliefs. They asked him what was most important to him. “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39. Not a bad idea for everyone to entertain. For believers, it’s more than an idea.
By the time you read this blog, the people of the United States will have spoken with their ballots. Now, my actions and yours will speak volumes about our heart and our nation. I have FAITH that God either allows or wills everything in this world. I have HOPE, in Him and His sovereignty. And I have LOVE, for my neighbors, regardless of who you all voted for.
I vote for…love.