Let’s talk about choice. The Presidential Election we just experienced was historic. People will talk about it for decades. America, our country, made a choice and, unfortunately for some, this choice was not the one they support. It has angered many. But can we for one second think about how great the “choice” is?
Redeemer plants churches all over the world, and in most of those places, the citizens do not get a choice. They do not get the opportunity to share their voice and pick their leaders. And if they decide to speak out, they are met with violence, punishment and death. We are incredibly privileged to live in a country where we have the freedom to vote, and more importantly, the freedom to choose.
Days like this hang heavy in the air because it is inevitable that no matter what happens, as dawn comes, some will feel ecstatic joy as others feel deep hurt. The differences that have surfaced over time have now reached a climax. While some celebrate at the expense of our brothers and sisters, others are feeling that all hope is lost. For better or worse, we have elected our next leader. We may share many of his views or we may share none. Whatever the case, the process is over and the question arises “What do we do now?” The answer is, let this be a moment that defines us.
Let Love Define Us
As Christ-followers we have a unique opportunity to show the world what love, REAL LOVE, looks like. This love is what brings hope to our nation:
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For many, right now fear is taking hold and in that fear comes anger and animosity. But love for country or for man does not stand in a political party or nominee but rather in a savior: One that controls the hearts and minds of all men (Proverbs 16:1; 21:1).
Unite in Prayer
Today, we unite in praying for our next president. Our desire is that he would be led by Christ, that he would surround himself with wise and Godly counsel and that he would seek after Christ earnestly in private to be the leader that we need in public.
We are not shaken, no matter who takes the oath of office. We don’t convince others of our opinions, we don’t rub anything in, we don’t let anger overtake us. No matter our views, we come together. That is something that separates us in the world and makes us different. We have foolishly let this election be something that divides us; now is the time to let it unite us. We serve one God, one man, one King… His name is Jesus.
Today, Choose Love
We encourage you to choose love today. Love one another, no matter who is in the White House, because a better, brighter future for us on Earth begins with love. Following one of the most cut-throat elections this nation has ever seen, we choose to revel in the fact that it does not matter who our president is. Jesus is still our king and Jesus still loves us. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, we can do to make Him love us less. So let’s choose to live like Him and speak love over this nation and our people. Let’s choose love.
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
