In case you haven't heard, there's an election here in the USA in a couple of months. I wanted to share a simple observation and challenge with you. Are you ready for it? Here it is:
It's okay to disagree.
There doesn't always have to be a winner and a loser. People can have different perspectives and still get along. However, when our opinions become our identities, we isolate ourselves from the potential of deeper, meaningful relationships. It also becomes increasingly difficult for any of us ever to admit we could be wrong.
Our Cast Member Church family covers the political spectrum; capitalist and socialist, conservative and liberal, Democrat, Republican, and Libertarian. And that's just those in America. Our CMC: Global Communi-Ds (on six continents) are even more diverse...
…AND I LOVE IT.
Does that surprise you? The fact is those in our CMC family don't fuse their political views to their identities. They choose love, grace, and compassion for those they disagree with, even if they are opposites on the political scale.
Jesus is far above the rhetoric, soundbites, political memes, and cacophony of name-calling. If we trust Him with our lives, our identities should reflect that trust, no matter how we vote.
I encourage you to get involved, pray, and vote your conscience.
I challenge you never to cease loving those around you who mark their ballots differently from you. Graciously accept the outcome regardless of your preferred choice. Trust that God knows what He's doing.
If your choice wins, don't be a jerk about it.
If your choice loses, don't despair over it.
If someone around you is gloating or pouting, don't take the bait. God is in control, and your response will reveal whether you genuinely believe it or not.
Hug those with whom you disagree.
Value them. Trust them. Celebrate them.
The truth is political systems come and go, but the Kingdom of God is forever. The most important choice for us to consider in this election is not which platform we should vote for; it's how we decide to be identified; by our candidate's agenda or by our Christ-like attitude?