To say that this just completed presidential election campaign was most unusual would be an epic understatement. Unfortunately, it deteriorated into horrible depths of vitriol and disparagements. Any substantive discussion of the significant issues affecting our society that must be addressed by our governmental leaders was lost in the cacophony of personal attacks.
Many are elated with the outcome of the election, while many others are dismayed. We are a nation that is divided by a multitude of issues and opinions. Be that as it may, we are called to be “One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” As people of faith, we must reflect the love of Jesus in our daily lives, no matter where we are aligned on the political spectrum. The Lord is very specific on the way we must relate to one another Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39) Christians have a duty above and beyond politics to be lights in this dark world, to be peacemakers with hearts of compassion.
I urge you to pray for all of the leaders of our government at every level, pray for those who failed to win the positions they worked so hard to achieve, pray for us as a people that we will lay aside petty differences and work together for the greater, common good. I believe with all my heart that this is what God expects of all of us in this hour.
Thank you very much. God bless America.
Eugene James, Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Michigan Region
November 14, 2016
