Politics and Faith:Navigating the Storm
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a desert hermitage, you are well aware of the elections this coming Tuesday. And because of that, I’m posting a few days early because there are things that need to be said; lines to be drawn in the sand. Presidential elections are always weighty. The stakes are high. This year, it seems the players have upped the ante, stirred up the storms of divisiveness and discord, putting a nation on edge and in turmoil. For what it’s worth, this is what I believe is important today, what will be important on Tuesday, and what will continue to be important on Wednesday, into my remaining tomorrows.
Unless you are new to this blog, you know that I am a Christian, and as such, the One Who holds authority in my life is God. I am a citizen of The Kingdom before I am a citizen of the United States. That does not mean that I hold my American citizenship lightly: it means that my loyalties are to neither the Republican or Democratic parties: my loyalty is - and always will be - to God and His far superior Kingdom first. It means that my perspective is broader than only the view of America; I strive to hold a world view, one that takes into consideration the welfare and wellbeing of any and all human beings, not only in the United States, but in countries around the world. It means that for me, compassion comes before complaint; honesty comes before hubris; accountability comes before assigning blame. My responsibilities come before my rights.
And even though my loyalties are to God and His Kingdom first, it does not mean that I will ignore my duty to vote in Tuesday’s election, or my responsibility to be informed about the issues and the candidates; but it does mean that I filter politics, and the hyperbole of our current political dialogue and haranguing through the lens of biblical principles.
Faith and politics are often deemed totally incompatible, in direct opposition to each other. In reality, they aren’t, nor should they be. There is no reason that faith cannot inform politics, or provide a context for how a country should demonstrate leadership to its citizens, for the welfare and future of those who not only live within its borders, but for any and all who would seek to share in that country’s bounty and riches. Sadly, that is not our present reality. The screeching from the microphones and platforms across the country has drowned out any worthy discussion of the real problems and issues that face our country, its citizens, and frankly - the world at large. The contentiousness that blares from networks, social media and printed news fuels anger and anxiety for many; I’ve heard friends and family say that they are already having great anxiety about what will happen next week, regardless of who wins the election.
So, how about some practical ways to navigate in the storm we are in? and in the storm that will surely continue?
This blog has been about living a life that is simple, that is sacred; and that desire applies to our political selves as much as to any other time or place in our daily lives. These are a few simple steps that I have used to navigate in these days and weeks leading up to Tuesday’s elections; and I invite you to join me as we continue to be tossed to and fro in the political turmoil of our times. I think they will make a difference.
Pray. And I’m not suggesting that you pray for your candidate to win - but rather, pray for God’s candidate to prevail, that His will be done. If you are earnest about asking His direction, you may be surprised at what He asks you to do, how He asks you to vote. And pray that you will have peace - no matter the outcome, which leads me to step 2.
Let go. You need to be willing to let go of what you are convinced is right, of what you believe MUST happen, and allow God to be God. Be willing to acknowledge that He is God, and you’re not. Be willing to accept that whoever wins, God is still in His heaven. He is still in charge.
Broaden your perspective. As a student of history, I’ve come to know that what I think is critically important today fades into insignificance tomorrow, and even more so ten or twenty years from now. At the end of my life, I doubt that I will care how I voted in the 2020 election; my mind will be on the “eternal” of my future. In the end, all of this grandstanding, shouting, and political maneuvering will matter not one iota. Look to a time beyond the next four years; tend to the garden of your eternal future.
Practice your political stance. If you believe in a more robust social welfare, then do it - don’t just believe it or wait for the government to do it. Volunteer in a food bank, cook for your neighbor, donate to a charity that helps the sick, the unfortunate, the abused. If you believe in financial health, volunteer to help another with their finances. Help a friend with their budget. Make your politics personal; it’s more than just who is in the White House, or in Congress. It’s who is in your house and the house next door; who is in your village.
And finally, be kind. In these days of harsh words, critical remarks, and social media posts that wound deeply, be kind. There is everything to be gained by a kind word, by a gentle smile. Far more has been gained across the centuries by a kind word than by any political fights, battles or wars. Kindness is a powerful tool. Use it, and feel the better for it.
This is how I am navigating these contentious days, and you know what? I’m doing ok. Of course I’m concerned about America’s political future, but at the end of the day, God’s got this, and I’m just fine with that.