A Word on The Election

So, the polls are in and we have a winner.  I imagine a collective sigh came over many in the South (and according to the popular vote, much of the rest of the nation) as the news was broadcast.  Immediately people took to Facebook and all of their social media outlets to vent their frustrations.  Friends began fighting as hatred poured from their keyboards like fire from a dragon's mouth.  I saw best friendships turned upside down in an effort to maintain political footing and to be.... right?  The only problem is- we all went to bed yesterday and we all woke up today... and nothing changed.   President Obama is still the President.  And, newsflash- he will be for the next four years.  All of the political rants and fighting did nothing to change that.  All of the crude jokes and rude humor did nothing except prove to non-believers that we, "Christians" are, in reality, a bunch of prideful, arrogant "haters".   And so now, what about those friendships?  Those who were excited about Obama's re-election still woke up excited.  And those who went to bed angry likely woke up with a hatred hangover- mad at the world for making them stay up too late to wait on results, and mad at their fren-emies who should have sided with them... right? Either outcome would have yielded a passionate response, but what I saw last night was beyond passionate- it was pride, riding the glory train.  It was fear, manifested in anger and bitterness, and it was jealousy flying across the computer screens faster than I could have typed it (and I'm pretty fast, just FYI).   I found myself caught up in the mix- accidentally posting one opinion.  Then while trying to avoid political posts,  I turned to scripture, hoping to find a little truth on what God has to say about the matter.   Here is one of the first verses I stumbled across: "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions..." 1 Timothy 1 And this one: "He controls the course of the world events; He removes kings & sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise & knowledge to the scholars" Daniel 2:21 And this one was my favorite: 1 Timothy 2: "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." But the most influential thing I read about the election didn't come across as a Facebook Status. And while the scriptures I found were extremely convicting and challenging, this one thing absolutely spoke truth and inspired me- so, of course, I'm sharing it here.  Please take a moment to read this.  It's a message from my pastor who is, perhaps, one of the wisest men I know.   Thanks for reading!   The Real Life Mom (For more information on Pastor Jeff Wells, or on the church I call home, please visit www.woodsedge.org) Pastor Jeff Wells, on the election: Dear WoodsEdge Family, The overwhelming majority of people in our community, and the overwhelming majority of our congregation, are disappointed, deeply, by the results of the Presidential Election last night. How should we as Christ-followers process this frustration? Here are a few thoughts: 1.  We are unshaken because God is unshaken. The real King does not reside in Washington. He does not work on Capitol Hill. In fact, he is not of this world. The real King is the crucified and risen Savior, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the eternal Word made flesh, who is coming again, not on a donkey or on an elephant, but on a white horse. He is not worried. 2.  Government is important but not all-important. Yes, we are responsible to vote and pray, to be salt and light in our culture. We are called to stand against evil and injustice. Important issues are at stake. We agree with Edmund Burke: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." That said, we also realize that the ultimate answers are not political or economic, educational or legislative. They are spiritual. They are found in Jesus Christ alone. Nothing short of widespread revival will turn our country around. We need a fresh movement of the Spirit on our land. I remind you: We have had evangelical Presidents before (which Mitt Romney is not). Men such as Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush. And yet we still have lots of abortions, enormous debt, overwhelming problems. The U.S. President has power but the power is limited. Only the power of God will bring a breakthrough. 3.  Do not let disappointment become anger or bitterness. Jesus opposed injustice and evil, because he hated sin. But he loved sinners. Sinners of all stripes and flavors. Our problem: We love sin and hate sinners. We hate (though we may not use this word) people who believe differently than we do. Yet we are called to love. To love all people, even our enemies. In fact, if we don't have love, we have nothing at all (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). May it no longer be that Christ-followers in the U.S. are known as self-righteous, condescending and judgmental. May we be known for our hearts of love! May we be known for our humble, grateful, joyful love. 4.  See the big picture. During World War II, C.S. Lewis pointed out that there was a benefit to war: People are more likely to think about death and their need for God. That is true of a society in disarray and rebellion. We don't want such a society. But that's what we have and the advantage to it is that we'll be less likely to rely upon ourselves and our government, and more likely to recognize our desperate need for God. A land in sin and rebellion is a land in many ways more ripe for revival. After all, the Roman government of the first century, and the Chinese government of the 20th century, were even more rebellious, more hostile to God, than our own government today. And both of these countries, ancient Rome and modern China, saw widespread revival. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." We don't want persecution. But there are worse things. 5.  Pray for your President. The Bible is clear: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As Christians, our basic governmental responsibility is to pray for our leaders, good or bad. After all, when Paul wrote this, who was king? It was Nero, a man who would later have Paul beheaded. Church, you may be greatly disappointed. That's OK. But do not be shaken. We've seen the end of the story: Jesus Christ wins! Take joy! Trust the Lord! Pursue him, and your neighbor, with grateful love! With much love, Jeff