Lesson 8: What Do We Do Now?

I waited to write until after the election knowing that the outcome could make a big difference in our life together. Our nation will never be the same again.

All morning long, I’ve been hearing from friends, mostly pastors, who also believe we are in very critical times. All are calling for compassion that might enable our divisions to heal. At the same time, they counsel not backing down, whether that means speaking up for our values or witnessing to them by the way we live. There is a general consensus that we must be ready if Trump does what he has been saying he will do.

I entitled this series “Jesus’ Teaching and the Election” to make clear that what Christ said is our standard, not our own opinions. We do not determine God’s will by counting people’s votes.

For certain, the election has established a new understanding of the church and state relationship. Gone is the idea that the church must stay out of politics. Some actually think we are called to form a government based on church teachings. Others believe we are in a situation similar to that the early church faced where speaking truth to power or protecting the vulnerable will bring persecution.

For starters, we have to get beyond the fear and anger that the campaign peddled and many of us are feeling now. We must be ready to stand by immigrants and women whose rights are threatened. We have to oppose interpretations that define Christian love from a me-first perspective. We must oppose legislature that damages the earth on which we live.

The election results have simply intensified our challenge in all these areas.

Tags: Christians Post Election Challenge, Church-State Relationship, Jesus and Trump, Jesus Teaches Character, Jesus Teaching and Election, Trump’s Election, Voting on Person or Policy