It's NOT Just Like 2008 & 2012

I’ve heard some of my Republican friends say today, “I know exactly how the Democrats feel, because it’s how I felt in 2008 & 2012.” The reality is though, that for many, this is an altogether different situation:

• There are women who have been sexually abused, who feel like this election has told them that the actions of their attacker didn’t really matter…

• There are African-Americans who feel like this election has told them that their country would like to undo the progress that’s been made over the last 150 years…

• There are legal immigrants and their children who feel like this election has told them that they are not welcome in this country, the country they call home…

• There are people with disabilities who feel like this election has told them that they exist only to be the butt of other people’s jokes…

• There are people of certain religions who feel like this election has told them that the protection of the law afforded by the first amendment doesn’t apply to them…

Now you may disagree with how these people interpret the results of this election--that's certainly your right. The fact remains though that this IS how they interpret them. And the feelings they have as a result are very real. And they are very different than the feelings you had in 2008 & 2012.

If you are a member of the GOP, your candidate won the election and you can be happy about that. But (especially if you are a Christian) please show some compassion for those who are not just sad to have lost an election, but are hurting at a very deep level as a result of it. 

Often Republicans are caricatured as mean, hateful, backwards bigots. Take this opportunity to prove the caricature wrong. Only then can we even start to think about what it might look like to move forward together as "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Wouldn't it be great for those to not just be empty words, but a national way of life?

A Look Beyond the Election

I've posted the following thoughts before, but given that the election is rapidly approaching, I felt like I wanted to re-state these truths (with a few very minor adaptations to fit our current context).

Election day is tomorrow in the United States of America. Not only will the presidential election be held, but votes will be cast for and against many other candidates and issues.  As an American, you have a right to express your opinions and vote for the candidates that you feel best represent them. Some would argue that these are not just your rights, but your responsibility.  So go ahead and vote.

As you vote though--especially if you're a Christian--I want to remind you of these important facts: Regardless of who is ultimately elected, 

• They will serve not just because they got the most votes, but because it is the will of God that they do so (Romans 13:1), even if it's not "your candidate."
• As such, and in light of their position, they are entitled to our respect (1 Peter 2:17), even if it's not "your candidate."
• We are to pray, intercede and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2), even if it's not "your candidate."

Ultimately, we need to remember that whoever wins this (or any election), we must not fall into the trap of believing that their election will fix (or ruin) everything. Things are already pretty messed up, and that goes back not to any decision made by a politician, but to Adam’s decision in the Garden of Eden to forsake the will of God (Genesis 3:17-19).

There is One coming though who will set all things right. But he will not come to power on the basis of the electoral college in accordance with the laws of the land. Rather he will come with power that is already his in accordance with the promises of God (Revelation 21:1-5).

Regardless of political trends and election results, may our ultimate prayer on election day (and every day) be this: Come, Lord Jesus!