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“But it also thinks that a great many things have gone wrong with the world that God made and that God insists, and insists very loudly, on our putting them right again.” C.S. Lewis/Mere Christianity
Dear Christian;
I haven’t written anything in weeks. I had nothing because my vision of what I wanted this blog to be (reflective, but upbeat) was at odds with all the things I’ve been thinking and feeling since the elections last November. I’ve been affected in a way that was profound and unexpected. What happened? I love politics. I love to debate the merits of the policy du jour. Not so this time, because this election was never elevated to discussions on policy. Instead we were continually tripping over behavior that most of us would not tolerate from even the most casual acquaintance. No good good come from the leadership of a guy who has been accused of defrauding students (Trump University), whose charitable foundation admitted to violating a ban on “self dealing”, who publicly ridiculed a disabled person, and…so much more. I’ve felt isolated, wondering why I felt the sting of this election so personally, when everyone around me has moved on. I’ve considered the suggestion that much of my angst was a result of my tendency to over analyze. Maybe I’m one of the many whiny babies and sore losers that some in the media have made reference to. I don’t suppose it matters anymore, because today is the day I move on. I’m intentionally looking forward with certainty and confidence.
Of course, before I move on; here’s what I need to say.
What has blown me away, and kept me stuck is my confusion and disappointment at the large number of Christians that voted for the President-elect. I can’t wrap my head around it. The math doesn’t work. Our faith is in Christ, who commands us to love others as we love ourselves. We watched or read tweets from a man who blatantly insulted, vilified and bullied humans from all walks of life. Supporting that is the opposite of love. God is moral and just. Why would we choose to support a leader who almost daily shows a lack of regard and compassion for the earth and people that God created? It isn’t reasonable for a Christian to believe that a just Supreme Court will spring from the nominees of a man who has exhibited blatant immorality? I feel certain that the means will not net the hoped for end. *You reap what you sow
God gifted us with free will. We choose freely to follow Christ. Our obedience to Him flows from a submitted heart, not the law. We have been commissioned to share Christ by modeling the life He led; not by ramming the law down people’s throats. Aligning ourselves with any leader who repeatedly espouses disdain for every value we are supposed to hold dear does deep damage to our cause. We are to foster change in the way people want to live. We do that with compassion, cheerful generosity and kindness. I sincerely believe that God weeps at the thought of us trying to achieve His purposes by any means necessary. Christianity isn’t losing the cultural war because of its values. It’s losing, because many Christians adhere to the letter of the law, while shamefully ignoring the Spirit. Isn’t that what the Pharisees did?
The election is over, but the need to be clear about what you believe and where you stand as a Christian is urgent. Christianity was never about seeking personal comfort. Even its founder billed it as difficult. Choosing to follow Christ is a grave, but noble decision. Choosing to live that decision means relying on tradition and groupthink won’t cut it. Prayer and soul searching followed by action will.
Writing my thoughts has been cathartic. My intent is not to hurt or alienate, but to share what I believe to be true while providing a little food for thought.
Meanwhile, I appreciate the opportunity to share what has been foremost in my thoughts. Thanks!
Please share your thoughts whether you are opposed or in agreement with mine.
*Galatians 6:7
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I’m not sure the right answer is to condemn Christians who voted for Trump. In my opinion it’s intellectually dishonest to omit their alternative candidate who many could argue a similar case for the condemnation of Christians who voted for Hillary Clinton. The reality of the situation was that Christians were in a tough spot. A lot of Christians thought the best case was not to vote. That’s the worst case scenario because Christians would completely lose their voice. Now wouldn’t that give the devil the victory he was looking to achieve? Prayer for this country is of utmost importance, especially for the leadership of the President and the Government.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
I found no condemnation in this posting but an honest questioning. We first must understand that all proclaiming Christianity are not necessarily HIS-a member of the Body-a child of God. I must agree that there are standards set forth by the Author and Finisher of our faith that are not represented in a candidate such as Trump. If you are a part of the Body of Christ then you are aware that we MUST-are called to- correct one another in love. I see this post as a loving correction for those true members of the body who should be feeling something about sitting under the leadership of a man who has practices that are in direct contradiction of the love kindness and acceptance we are to demonstrate. No half in or half out. It is or it isn’t. If after witnessing Trump’s behavior as a human- not a politician, you could clear consciously vote him as a Christian be prpared for the loving chastisement from Abba-Father. How dare we not find disdain for he who belittles and devalues HIs children. We will answer for this. Yes we will reap what was sown under the banner of hate and exclusion. I share your emotion confusion and disappointment in my fellow human but I am reminded and comforted by the understanding that many are called but the chosen are few. Let us use our discernment and the power of our collective voice to stand firm on His Word and not be moved by political correctness.
Monica, I read your post last week and wanted to reply some form of comfort to you, but couldn’the find the right words to do that. You are one of those friends who you look over and I know you will be cheering me on in my whatever. I think because you operate out of that base it is even more difficult to get a perspective around how Donald Trump is president. I have read two, and only two, articles that I felt were helpful and truthful in understanding why. Here’s one. It is long but was shared by a writer, Tommy Tomlinson, that I admire:http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/blue-red-state-democrats-trump-country-214647