What Happens After?
So, the other day while driving to do errands, I had the radio tuned to a news station that was, so typically, talking about the election now only days away. The host and commentator analyzed the latest polling numbers, ground games, hidden voters, potential surprises that might still come, and came to the amazing conclusion that the presidency is either candidate’s to win…I know, stunning.
Then the guest said something that bears repeating. Mark, the guy’s name, said almost as an aside, that he has been encouraging friends to prepare now for the “after.” Certainly, either the Vice President or the former President will win the election, and that we have little control over. What each of us does have control over, Mark reminded, is how we react to the outcome.
This is especially relevant to those of us who claim to follow Jesus.
It doesn’t take much effort to see how some of believers we know have gone too far in their support for him or her. While admitting one’s preferred candidate is flawed (folks have mostly given up on attempts to call either one a really good person with a sterling character), the alternative is portrayed as villainous as a Halloween horror movie lead: Ushering in either the end of democracy or the death throes of a dying nation. The vitriol heard from some preachers and regular folks staggers me, and there seems to be no shame.
Be certain of this, God is not wringing his hands over this election. Jesus is not threatened by an adverse, to your thinking, outcome. His kingdom will be established in due time without our help. And there will certainly be an “after.”
So how should we live in those days to come?
Since there are plenty of good and godly people who will look at the same needs in the country and still vote differently than you, here are just three thoughts coming from scriptures that may help cut across angry words and actions bound to tumble out, and might provide a bit of roadmap for “after.”
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Regardless of who wins, you will run into friends and family who are fired up. The easiest path is to join in the parade of emotion. You and I carry the power to turn conversations in constructive directions, sometimes by simply lowering the temperature in the room. With either as president, we will still have abundant freedom to do the work God has given us to do. A good idea is to imagine yourself a thermostat rather than a thermometer when either elation or disappointment rule the moment.
By this will all people know you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
What’s your calling card? What am I known for? If we choose to apprentice to Jesus, to be his disciple, mimicking him in love and seeing the larger picture at hand remains a secure place to stand. “Love” here is agape’: Chosen, willed, in-spite-of love just as we are loved by God. And make no mistake about it, we will have plenty of opportunities “after” to practice choosing to love others in spite of how the election turns out. This will make you stand out and possibly be left out, but isn’t living under the smile of the Savior better than raising blood pressure with a mob?
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:17,18
Living in our great republic gives us the privilege so many around the world do not enjoy: We can vote and voice opinions and lobby for change. The passage assumes evil exists in society, but these verses set guardrails and a goal for believers.
The guardrail? Act honorably: This is the mirror in the morning test. Does the morning light accept or condemn yesterday’s actions? Did what I said and how I behaved look more like Jesus or the crowd around me? That’s a good test for any believer.
The goal? Live in peace: This is the goal after the debate is done. And did you notice the qualifier? Everyone. Even that one! Can my opposite walk away from our disagreement knowing we see the nation differently but still are valued as friends? The goal reminds us that writing someone off is not an option.
It looks to be a close race and may take a few days to finally know who won the presidency. Challenges and lawsuits surely will follow. Pundits and online raconteurs with little consequence will shout and demand and threaten and march and some will preach about the message in the outcome. But, like our old friend Paul wrote, “you did not learn Christ in this way.”
Believers have always found ways to follow Jesus and live above the fray of their nation’s chaos. And chaos may come. Jesus rightly said,
“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
So there you go, those are my election thoughts for 2024. I’m sure some will say I’m naive or unaware or even neglectful given what is at stake. That’s all right, this is where I stand, and I may not be very smart, but I can lift heavy things. I got that going for me.
All the best, friend. I’ll see you “after.”
And…music
and…lame jokes…
The wealthy socialite Mrs. Smythe was making final arrangements for an elaborate reception.
"Nora," she said to her veteran assistant, "for the first half-hour I want you to stand at the drawing-room door and call the guests' names as they arrive."
Nora's face lit up. "Thank you, ma'am," she replied. "I've been wanting to do that to some of your friends for the last 20 years."
__________
Two old friends met one day after many years.
Bob had attended college, worked hard, and now was very successful. Stan had not attended college and never had much ambition, but surprisingly looked prosperous.
Bob said, "How has everything been going with you, Stan?"
Stan replied, "Well, one day I opened the Bible at random, and dropped my finger on a word, and it was “oil”. So, I invested in oil, and boy, did the oil wells gush.”
He continued, "Then another day I dropped my finger on another word, and it was “gold”. So, I invested in gold and those mines really produced. Now, I'm as rich as Rockefeller."
Bob was so impressed that he rushed to his hotel, grabbed a Gideon Bible, flipped it open, and dropped his finger on a page.
He opened his eyes and his finger rested on the words, "Chapter Eleven".