And yet...

I tend to avoid political rhetoric on any social media forum, but I am compelled to write a few brief thoughts and I hope you will really listen. As a life-long American, I grew up saluting the American flag, singing the National Anthem with pride and held dear in my heart all things patriotic and noble. I was taught to respect the office of President, regardless of who held the office. I was taught that voting was not only my civic duty, but that giving up my right to vote was paramount to spitting on the graves of the soldiers who had died to preserve my right to vote, my right to speak freely, and my right to worship as I chose. Honestly, not much of that has changed in my heart, but like many of you, my heart is wearied this season.

Hopelessness? Yes. Fear? Yes. Anxiety over the future of our country? Yes. Honestly, regardless of which side of the political fence you fall on, these thoughts seem to be a common theme. Fear is the biggest one I see storming most of the social media outlets, as well as television or radio. Article after article is written, either brow-beating those who support Trump and should “vote their conscience instead” to those who refuse to support Trump and are called “Pharisees” or are told they are throwing away their vote. By the same token, Clinton supporters are equally demonized and some even question their Christianity. “How can you call yourself a Christian and possibly support Clinton?”

So what is the answer? How should we vote or should we even vote at all?

Yes. Vote. How? Not my place to say. That is your decision and your choice. But remember that voting for one candidate or the other or for no candidate at all doesn’t make you evil, a Pharisee or somehow more righteous than everyone else. I will challenge you however, to think about how God sees all of this. He still has high expectations of his children.  He doesn't expect us to lower ourselves to name-calling, ridiculing or judging others' hearts or actions and he wants us to be unified as the body of Christ, even with our differences.

Do you think that God will be dethroned because your candidate didn’t make it into office? Do you believe that he is no longer in control because the “wrong” person is in office? Are you thinking that God has turned his back on this nation and has just left us to figure this all out on our own? Let me reassure you that God is still King! He is not surprised by what is happening, and he is already aware of the outcome.

Yes, your worst fears could be realized--or not. We as Christians might have to learn to stand up and declare what we believe and actually live it out. It’s scary. Who wants to be ridiculed? Who wants to be ostracized from family and friends? I don’t.

But God.

But God is, and has been, and always will be. Even if the worst possible scenario in my mind occurs, God is still here.   

And then there is this:

Romans 13:1-7(HCSB)

"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.  Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor." 

Psalm 22:28(HCSB)

..."for kingship belongs to the Lord;

He rules over the nations."

Titus 3:1-2(HCSB)

"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people."

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (HCSB)

"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. "

And no it is not my intention to brow beat anyone either, but the divisiveness I see among my Christian brothers and sisters is heart-wrenching.  Pray.  Seek God first and be willing to let His will be done...regardless of how it looks.  Know that he IS God and no man can ever take that away.