Ridgell's Originals

One of the problems in reaching people in our culture is the fact that many people think God's people are closely identified with one or the other political parties.

So...

You do not have to be a Republican to belong to the church.

You do not have to be a Democrat to follow Jesus.

We all reflexively nod our agreement here and then go right on confusing people.

Here is how we do it.

Celebrate loudly in God's name when your candidate wins.  Some of you were seriously scaring our kids before the election.  If I am not a Republican, I would really wonder about the celebrations many Christians had after the election.  So now everything is wonderful in our world?

Moan and groan and weep and wail over the fact that your candidate lost.  You are scaring our kids after the election.  If I am not a Democrat, I might really be confused about the despair shown by many Christians after the election.  Who do we really trust and believe in?

You may think I should not even talk about this because I do not vote.  Then stop reading.  I do not vote because I belong to a different kingdom.  Mine was here way before the United States and will be here way after.  I have one allegiance and it is not to any earthly kingdom.  You do not have to agree with me.

In fact...

I have admiration for those who vote but refuse to label their decision the one Jesus wanted.  Some just could not vote in this election because of their love for the marginalized, the babies, people who are different, and marriage.  Others did not vote because they were afraid of persecution or deportation.  Others could not in good conscience vote for a greedy bully or a greedy liar.

But please think what your reactions -- before and after -- the election have communicated to others.

Fear.  Some of you come across as if the world is ending.  But God calls us to be courageous.  To give our anxiety to him.  And if the world really is ending... good for us.  We finally get to go home.

Mixed allegiance.  What kingdom are we serving?  Are we really calling people out of this world to follow Jesus?  Shouldn't we Christians be counter-cultural by our very nature?

Unity.  How attractive is our Christian family to those watching us?   Too many have implied -- or outright stated -- that your brothers and sisters that disagree with you politically do not love people, do not love babies, do not care about truth, and did not follow Jesus in this election.

Courage of your convictions.  Many people talked about how God is in control and He has this.  Then after the election, you went into a deep and dark depression.  And by the way, if the election had gone the other way some of you would be in a deep and dark depression.

So please understand that our God rules.  America is not his chosen nation.  Non Christians will never act like believers so stop expecting them to.

And what an opportunity to share the good news of a family that accepts everyone.  To invite people into a life of joy and peace no matter where you live on this earth.  To offer hope in a lost and dying world.  To help people find their true calling in following Jesus.

Be brave.  Be happy.  Love each other.  Love those who do know Jesus.  And then do something about it.

God you are in charge.  Forgive us when our actions do not reflect our faith.  Help us seize the opportunity to invite people into a Kingdom bigger and better than anything this world has to offer.  We pledge our lives to this purpose.  We will stop being afraid.  We will be courageous.  You and Son are with us.  Just like always.