Word from Wiese

Post-Election Ponderings

Post-Election Ponderings

November 4, 2020

Although you read this little note on Wednesday, I write it either on Monday or early Tuesday morning. So, I wonder, as you read this Wednesday afternoon, if you know who won the election.

What a blessing to live in our wonderful country. What a blessing for our democracy (one person, one vote) to shine as an example for other countries. Nevertheless, if the election results are in, some of you are disappointed. Since we voted for so many candidates, you are probably pleased with the results for some offices and dismayed with results for others.

Where do we go from here? Some of you suggested I share again, on this post-election morning, the faith perspectives from my sermon a few weeks ago.

So here we go.

As Christians, we’re called to “speak the truth in love” to and about everybody. Even regarding voters, office-holders–and family members!!!—with whom we disagree. Martin Luther encourages us to slander no one but build up a positive culture of respect. For instance, in his explanation of the Eighth Commandment, Luther answers the question, “What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.” Thanks, Martin! Aren’t we sick of attack ads of division? Let’s move forward seeking to find areas of cooperation.

But what if we really have hard feelings about who won the election? Well, Jesus taught in Matthew 5, “ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

Really Jesus? But everyone around me is talking trash. Hmm. Then please consider Romans 12: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. . . . . Do not be conformed to this world.” Didn’t your mother or father teacher explain that “just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it right”?

Christ followers are encouraged with Philippians 4: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

As we claimed in the sermon a few weeks ago, there is no doubt that some leaders have disappointed us. But history is also full of surprises. God uses all kinds of wild cards for good like the faithless King of Persia, a persecutor of Christians like Saul, and even you and me. 😊

I’m so glad we’re done will the barrage of candidate commercials. But every day is an election isn’t it, whereby we vote and say YES to being a Christian, or “little Christ,” as Martin Luther calls us, in how we behave, speak, and cultivate love in our communities?

So a few post-election questions for you, my faith friend:
1. Do you pray for as much as you complain about the people you dislike, especially political leaders, that God’s influence would be upon them?
2. Do YOU accept responsibility for modeling the agenda, behavior, and values you appreciate so much in your leader—not the one who was just elected, but your life leader, Jesus?

Celebrating freedom (especially the freedom to respond constructively) with you,
Pastor Fritz