No Weeping...No Gloating!

This week has obviously been a difficult one as we have come through election day and, as of this writing, are still waiting for the results. I’m not concerned about the slowness of the process for, like most of us, I want to know that every vote counts.  That’s the beauty of our nation’s democracy: every vote does count! I am concerned, however, as to how people will react once a winner is announced, especially those within the church. 

Eventually a winner for the presidency will be announced. That is for certain. The question is, how will we respond once we hear the news? If it is the guy we voted for, will we gloat and rub it in the face of the other side? If it is the guy from the other side of the aisle who wins, will we fall into depression and anger complete with weeping and gnashing of teeth? Unfortunately, those are the responses that will be expressed by most people across our land: weeping or gloating. 

But, I want to encourage those of us who are people of faith to move towards a third response: reflection and prayer. I believe this is a really good time for each of us to reflect upon what it really means to trust God with our lives; to reflect upon God’s call for us as his people; to reflect upon how it is we can best testify to the grace of God and the work of Christ. And, this is a really good time for us to pray—to pray for our nation, to pray for whomever gets elected as our president, and to pray for the work of the gospel. As we do, we will find there’s no room for either weeping or gloating! 

Paul wrote to Timothy these words: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  (Timothy 2:1-4 – NIV) 

Paul’s words remind us that the people on the other side of the aisle are not our enemies, but people whom God loves and for whom Christ gave his life.  His words highlight the urgency to pray that God would use our leaders to bring healing to the riffs that have developed among us, lead in matters of justice and peace, and create an environment that will make way for the preaching of the gospel.  We who are followers of Jesus ought to use this time to reflect upon what it really means to live as God’s people, believe in the power of the Gospel, and look to God as the One who is sovereign over all things. And, let us pray that God would help those who govern over us do more than accomplish a political agenda, but lead in such a way that all the people of our nation will be blessed.   

So, when you hear the results of the election, don’t fall into either weeping or gloating. Rather, let’s remember that whatever happens in our world, God is still on the throne, the work of Christ still saves, and the Holy Spirit is yet moving through his people!  

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris