I have had a hard time finding words for the events that have just unfolded in our country. I have no intention on writing my views concerning candidates, issues or debates, aren’t you glad! I want to talk about “us”. I want to write about humanity, being human, being a follower of Jesus, and the behavior that results from it.  In the forty-one years that I have been alive, this has been the most tumultuous presidential election I have ever witnessed.

As I expected, the moment a winner was announced social media and the Internet exploded. It would have happened regardless of who won. Honestly, this is the first time I have ever thought seriously about deleting my Facebook account. Since the election ended, I have been exposed to some of the worst displays of humanity from both sides, on Facebook, Twitter, and the blogosphere.

Some are rejoicing while others are mourning. I get that there is an intense emotional response and I respect each person’s feelings but do we have to lose ourselves in it? Some of those who have patterned their life after Jesus and who are called to live with unity are acting arrogantly with an “in your face” attitude. Some that scream “tolerance” from social watchtowers are displaying the opposite of what they believe, calling those that think differently than them the most insulting and horrific names and making sweeping generalizations of people they don’t know. Both sides must own responsibility for immature behavior and a general lack of respect for humanity. Common courtesy and common sense have been lost. When will we stop the madness?

I want to speak to all who follow Christ, regardless of what that expression looks like or how you voted.

Jesus made a very direct statement in the New Testament: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Jesus was not red or blue, He was and is the Son of God who stands outside and above our politics. The moment we reduce Jesus to the positions of our political platform Christianity ceases to be what Jesus had in mind. If you don’t believe me go back and read the Sermon on the Mount. Regardless of what we marked in the voting booth, how do we move forward from here? I find the prophet Micah to be incredibly helpful:

“He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” -Micah 6:8

As a Pastor, I want to challenge us to do three things in the coming year following this election.

Do Justice

Great injustice is committed every day, by individuals, by groups, by governments, and organizations. As followers of Christ, we must be committed to justice. We should be committed to standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, for those who have been placed in the margin, the poor, the oppressed, and the helpless. We are never called to hate, we are always called to love others, even our enemy (Matthew 5:44). If we committed as much time to love as we do to trying to be “right” about everything, the world would be a much better place. Frederick Douglass, an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, said “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe”. God is a God of justice. As followers of Christ, we must work for justice in the world regardless of political standing. Can we rally in the name of Christ and the teachings of the Gospel that changes lives and saves souls? The last time I recited the pledge of alliance I remember it ending with…”Liberty and Justice for all”.

Love Kindness

“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle” -Source Unknown

Let’s just agree on something, we have not seen kindness in the political process. The world itself seems to be going in the opposite direction of kindness. We have become increasingly polarized, aggressive, ignorant, violent, and just plain mean. It was not that long ago the republicans and democrats worked together to find real solutions for real problems. I have read of a time when republicans and democrats would debate in the government halls and then go to dinner together. People are reacting the way they are for a reason. I believe we often react because of our own personal pain, which is, ironically something we all share. However, kindness goes a long, long way. I can be kind to others whether they agree with me or not, my faith demands it and my humanity needs it.

Walk Humbly with your God

When I am honest with myself I have to remember that I am a broken sinner saved by grace. When we lose sight of our brokenness spiritual arrogance creeps in, and it is deadly. When I walk humbly with God I see myself as I am and as he created me to be, no better, no worse. People who walk humbly with God are bridge builders in the world. Not focusing on our own agendas but representing God and the life that he has to offer. When we shout and scream at the culture, God’s light and love are not shown. We are not acting and tasting like salt, but more like milk that went bad seven days ago and it leaves a horrible taste in peoples mouth. This behavior looks nothing like the way Jesus interacted with the world and does not bring glory to God. We can live what we believe, be true to our conscious, and uphold the teachings of the Bible all while walking with God in great humility.

Our nation needs Christians that live like Jesus. People who act justly, love kindness and walk humbly with their God.