10/23/2024
Unfortunately, this world will never be free of brokenness, but we are thankful that we have a perfect savior for all our problems.
  thoughts? - this article was posted for you  hope Presbyterian Crozet, Virginia -to think about the biblical callings in the midst of being relevant to our current culture and place on the globe. Jesus in person . . . isn't on the ballot, so what are we to do? So much could be said, but I will offer these items:
1. Participate in the political process as much as you feel called to participate. In God's Providence, we live in a free, constitutional republic where you can vote or choose not to vote. You can canvas for a candidate or choose to stay in undecided-ness. You may even run for political office yourself. There's a whole spectrum of things that Christians a free to do. In addition, there is a wide spectrum of political issues on which Christians might prioritize and disagree. (In case you wondered, I think part of my calling as your pastor is to creating space for various opinions to exist within the unified body of Christ. My job is not to preach one political view from the pulpit.)
2. As we engage, we do so as Christians. That means we always display the fruit of the Spirit, the holiness of Jesus, and charity/forbearance for other fallen human beings who are simply trying to figure life out in this age where we merely "see through a glass dimly" (1 Cor 13:12). Aren't we all just trying to do the best we can, after all?
3. In light of seeing through a glass dimly... Remember, as people who simply don't see things clearly, we not only participate in politics with humility, but we participate mindful that the pressure is off because of the gospel! What I mean is that it is O.K. if you make a mistake on your election ballot. For, just as the gospel tells us that we make mistakes (i.e. sin) but God works and makes things right (i.e. at the cross); so too we expect the gospel to be true as we vote in this election. We will most likely make mistakes and God will still be at work in grace and favor for his kingdom sake. It is good news!
4. Pursue God in this season. We can tend to let our inner lives become overly tied to the outcome of a particular election. Instead, be with God and ask him for the long-term view that "seeks first his kingdom" and does not expect the next fouryears to be the "home-run solution" for the kingdom. T.S. Eliot once wrote, "Teach us to care and not to care." He wasn't talking about politics but I think that's a pretty good summary of gospel living! We don't take ourselves or our world too seriously but we take God and his kingdom super-seriously. If you find yourself anxious, I encourage you to talk to an elder or an Ezer. Also, be meditating on our true king in Psalm 146:3-10 or on Jesus teaching about not worrying in Matthew 6:25-34, etc.
5. Practically, see the candidates through the lenses of a job interview. If you need an accountant, for example, you don't say "Even if the atheist accountant is much better trained, I will only hire an accountant who profess faith in Jesus and or hold this one view." Instead, in hiring a person, you would consider a myriad of factors knowing that one person will not "check all your boxes." Similarly, we make our voting decisions knowing that one person will not check every box. We will try to 'hire' the best candidates for the jobs over the next 4 years. And we can rest assured that in four years we will be have an entirely new slate of job applicants. 🙂
6. For those of you who desire more, I commend to you The Evangelical Confession of 2024. It's not perfect, but I find it helpful.
No matter what happens on Nov 5th, my call as your pastor will be the same - to lead us to repent and believe in the Jesus who says "Follow me." He really does love us. So let's keep following Jesus.
Thanks for reading!
The goofball you call pastor.
