Lonnie Wilkey
I am writing this column on Oct. 30, six days before Americans go to the polls to vote for the next president of the United States. So, when you read this, I have no idea who won. The only thing I could control was how I cast my ballot and I did that in early voting.
The same is true for all of us. When election results were announced on Tuesday night or perhaps in the early morning hours of Wednesday, there is nothing else we can do except trust God.
God was in control before and during the election process and what matters most is that He is in control after the elections. God was not surprised by whoever won the election. He knew long before Nov. 5 rolled around who would win.
One thing I do know is that no matter who is president, about half of the nation will be ecstatic and the other half despondent. We are probably more divided today than any other time in our history. Politicians used to seek compromise and do what was in the best interests of our country. Those days are probably gone forever. Today there is a mindset of “my way is the only way.”
That mindset will ultimately doom our country. Our only hope is that eventually we seek God’s way and His will.
Tony Martin is a longtime friend and editor of The Baptist Record in Mississippi. He wrote an excellent editorial prior to the election. See “This Troubled Political Season” at baptistandreflector.org.
He dealt with what to do before the election and suggested that voters exercise wisdom before they voted. But he also suggested two other ways that believers can stand firm in today’s political climate. His points follow:
“Graciously accept the outcome: No matter the results, someone is going to feel disappointed. But our response to the outcome matters. Philippians 4:11-13 offers us a valuable reminder about being content regardless of circumstances: “… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” The same God who was on the throne before the election will still be on the throne after it.
“As hard as it may be, accepting the outcome graciously is part of being salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). It’s an opportunity to demonstrate faith, trusting that God is sovereign over all things — yes, even election results. Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This doesn’t mean we have to agree with everything a leader says or does, but it does mean we recognize that God’s hand is still at work.
“Love your neighbor — even when they disagree: Here’s the real challenge: how do we love people who don’t see the world the way we do? Jesus made it clear that loving others is non-negotiable (John 13:34-35). But it’s tough when those others hold opposing political views, isn’t it?
“We need to remember that our ultimate identity is not in our political affiliation but in Christ. People around us — whether they voted the same way or not — are still made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Colossians 3:12-14 encourages us to “put on…compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” We can disagree without disrespect. We can engage without enraging.
“Choosing kindness and respect, even when tensions are high, models the love of Christ in a divided world.”
Wise words from my counterpart in Mississippi. He ended his remarks with a reminder to Mississippi Baptists that God is still in control.
That is also my message to Tennessee Baptists. Whether we are happy or sad about the election, God is in control.
Remember this. Our nation is nearly 250 years old. We have had bad leaders in the past and no doubt will again, whether today or in the future. But take heart, God is still on His throne. B&R
