I’ve been watching the political drama very carefully over the last several months, and I care about where we’re at as a nation right now. But…If the guy I did not vote for wins tomorrow’s election for President of the USA, I will not resort to slander, betrayal, or despair. My primary citizenship as a member of God’s Kingdom will be unaffected, and this will continue regardless of who leads the country I live in. I do have opinions about who I think would best serve the mission of America at this time, but this concern pales in comparison to my dedication to the Mission of Jesus in my own sphere of influence…which is weaving itself through every tribe, tongue, and nation in the world over time.
Regardless of who wins or loses, or what direction America takes from this point on, I will endeavor to…
- LOVE my neighbor as myself, lay down my life for my friends.
- LOVE my enemies, and pray for those who persecute me.
- LOVE the natural family, and church family, that God has entrusted with me.
- LOVE God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength…to the extent that all other allegiances and desires are secondary.
LOVE, “agápē” in the ancient Greek of the New Testament, is the type that gives itself away for the benefit of others. It is not motivated by personal gain, but by joyfully bearing the fruit of heaven in the midst of the shadowlands we call “life.”
During this season, when so many seem to be losing their minds over the elections, let the followers of Jesus experience and demonstrate the kind of LOVE that surpasses and transforms the world around each of us.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 4-7)
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God…Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:17-21)