8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; (1 Peter 3:8-9a)
It’s a significant Tuesday in November. After what seems like an eternity of build up, it is upon us. Don’t panic. There have been over forty presidents, some of them good, and some complete disasters. The ones who are good, have been reviled by opponents and the ones who have been terrible have failed to completely ruin the country. Let us remember a few things today as the circus of election plays itself out.
This is our home for now. Voting matters because we are citizens of a self proclaimed free state. One duty, albeit a small one, in our democracy is to cast a ballot. Honestly, it is the least crucial thing the people can do in democracy but it is still important. Social matters such as race conflict, homelessness, and the environment matter to Christians because we know of a different world which values these sorts of things. It is all part of a divine plan to bring His kingdom here.
Equally as important as our vote is how we disagree. Never can I remember an election where we had such poor choices. No one is good. Everyone is flawed. This means that if you ascribe to the lesser of two evils mantra, then your candidate is still wickedly evil. While I strongly oppose Trump and all he stands (or doesn’t stand) for, I will concede that it is all a wash this year. Again, believers, how you disagree matters. Those who you oppose are trying to figure life and democracy out just as you are. Our broken model of politics is to blame, not your neighbor. Christ calls us to be peacemakers.
In four years, we do this again. I’m not sure this is a comfort but the beauty of our process is that it in not eternal. As followers of a sovereign King, we know that eventually this world and all it’s policies will fade. Our hope is never to be in a politician, and therefore we can rest in grace.
Matt simon blog 