I don’t know about you, but I’ve pretty much had to avoid social media over the past several weeks. I just scroll really fast through all the posts until I see a picture of my friend’s kid or a video about cute animals or yummy food. It’s a battlefield out there right now!

Last night I had such an interesting discussion with some of my closest people. Bless their hearts, they came over to help me paint signs and eat chicken and dumplings. So we got into a discussion about our Facebook feeds and realized something SO FASCINATING. We were all seeing completely opposite posts from each other. One of us was seeing all pro-Republican messages (or rather, reallllly nasty anti-Democrat messages) and another was seeing the EXACT opposite. Such a light bulb went off for me. In our culture today, we don’t know the reality of how people are actually feeling and thinking at all. It’s completely driven and curated by the people we associate with and the news, etc we consume. Before you say “duh Lizzie” in your best Alicia Silverstone impression LOL —really give this a moment of thought. Are the things we’re getting extremely emotional about, and the lies we’re believing (both sides, let’s be honest), and the decisions we’re making based on TRUTH or HYPE? I’m tending to believe that both sides of the fence are being driven by the wrong things—which is exactly how we have become so hateful and divided as nation AND as the church. And there is only ONE real remedy for all of it.

I’m not very emotional about politics—even when it came to this election. There was a time when I used to be. I cared with every fiber of my being which party was “running our country” or who our president was. And it’s not that I’m irresponsibly neutral now. I’ve just marinated in the scriptures so much over the past several years that I’m pretty even keeled regardless of our political climate. The ultimate result of this election wasn’t going to change my life, values, opinions, daily choices, or attitude much. It wasn’t going to change God’s plans and purposes for my life AT ALL. That revelation really puts things in perspective.

At the end of the day, if we are truly followers of Christ, we are going to find ourselves looking intently in the mirror of His Word and choosing our responses based on His truths.

And that goes for BOTH SIDES of the political divide.

If your candidate lost, then there is a Godly way to grieve, respond, and move forward.

If your candidate won, then there is a Godly way to celebrate, respond, and move forward.

And they both have a similar theme revolving around the words “honor” and “faith.”

As we face the days that lie ahead, I challenge each and every one of us to spend time in God’s Word, seeking His truth, and choosing our responses accordingly. The scriptures I have assembled here have been powerful in my life and I PRAY that they will be in yours also.

May we be a people of unity, love, honor, peace, and truth both in word and deed, in Jesus’ name. <3

CELEBRATING OR GRIEVING

The first theme I’d like us to lend our ears to is about WHO is truly on the throne of our hearts. Yes, our leadership is important, and we have a responsibility to vote, uphold truth, and fight for God’s will in our world. But after we have done our civic part, we can find rest in these words…

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” -Philippians 3:20

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.” –Psalm”146:3

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” -Daniel 2:21

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39

“…Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” -Isaiah 26:3

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” -John 14:27

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” –Jeremiah 29:11

RESPONDING

These next few I selected because I believe they will guide us on how we should respond and treat one another. <3 I think they have merit whether we are celebrating or grieving right now.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” –Titus 3:9

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” –Luke 6:35

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth…” -2 Timothy 2:24-25

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” -1 Corinthians 1:10

“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” –Romans 14:12-13

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” –John 13:35

MOVING FORWARD

And at the end of the day, regardless of what we think about our President Elect, we are called to honor him and pray for him.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” –Romans 13:1 (emphasis mine)

“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.” -1 Timothy 2:1-2 (emphasis mine)

“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” -1 Peter 2:17 (emphasis mine)

We are living in an exciting time because it’s a time on God’s calendar. He is in the midst of us, and He can be our King if we let Him. I pray such abundant blessings over you and your family friend. Let’s run our race well. I’m so glad I get to do it by your side. <3