Take Heart

It's hard to totally rationalize either side of the political debate completely with the Bible... It doesn't make the Bible less true; it just highlights the flaws of the political system, and even more than that, our human nature. I think both sides of the aisle have to remember that Christ preached love - no doubt about it, but also that He said "I and the Father are one," which makes the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament completely inseparable from the laws of the Old Testament. It's interesting to see people shaking their heads at a lack of "love" (READ: a lack of support for President Obama), but applauding a lack of respect for human life, specifically that of the unborn. People want to quote John 13, but not Psalm 139. They want to repeat "love your neighbor," but not discuss what the Bible clearly states about marriage. Even if it's what the Bible says, it's uncomfortable, and it's inconvenient.

On the flip side of that, other people are willing to discuss the laws in the Bible - the ones in regard to moral behavior and righteousness, but not so willing to discuss the depths of love to which we are called. Especially when that love requires that our forgiveness be unconditional, makes us warm someone else with the coat around our own shoulders, and would go so far as to lay down our lives for the sake of someone else. Even if it's what the Bible says, it's uncomfortable, and it's inconvenient.

The thing is, if we justify our political beliefs with comfort and convenience, we aren't aligning our political beliefs with the Bible at all. We weren't promised those luxuries in Scripture - in fact, we are guaranteed to have trouble in this world. Happiness isn't the goal - not politically and not personally - because happiness is temporary, and it's based on the temporary circumstances around us. What we ARE called to is to know and experience the never-ending love of our Savior, to know and experience His peace that so is often beyond our understanding, and always beyond our circumstances. We are called to mirror His righteousness, to cling to His law and His love. We are called to serve others, to protect the weak, to minister to the poor, to follow in the footsteps of the One who's love led Him to Calvary.

I don't think either of the men who were running for the office of president understands the completion of Scripture. Based on their policies and, quite frankly, their church affiliations, I think it's safe to say that they didn't. But what's more important to know (especially now that this long-awaited election is over) is that nothing takes God by surprise. He wasn't on the edge of His throne waiting to see who would become president of the United States. He knew the results of the 2012 election before He laid the foundations of the Earth. He isn't surprised, His plan isn't thwarted, and He isn't any less in control today than He was yesterday. I think that as believers, this is our opportunity to exercise true faith - not in our leaders, but in the perfect plan of our God. We can demonstrate a love and respect for those with whom we disagree with politically in a way that would honor the One who has shown us unending grace, and we can live our lives in a way that shows that while others may trust in chariots and horses, we are trusting in the one, true, living God, who has given us this promise for times such as these: "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world."