“Do not trust in princes” (Psalm 146).
This year, America will once again be going through a presidential election cycle, and as a pastor and a citizen, I feel anxious.
I worry because the political season seems to commercialize fear and stomp on division, and I’m tired of the never-ending debates that never resolve anything.
Yet, I am hopeful that this time we, as the church, can collectively resolve to love our neighbors across political divides, and I am committed to doing my part to spark conversations that connect rather than polarize.
Our differences are important, but our commitment to love one another is even more important, and I believe the church is the place to put this into practice.
I recently visited with a church leader who gave me hope that this is possible. During the visit, he told me that he admires one of his best friends, who has very different political views than me. I know both of them; they are both longtime church leaders and work together.
Their different mindsets complement each other: one is detail-oriented and processes at a systematic level, while the other is a pushy person who values speed and getting things done.
Both perspectives are necessary, and yes, there will be conflicts, but with respect, challenges can be overcome and resolved.
Our culture has taught us to avoid talking about politics and religion, which has led to a lack of understanding of these topics. We should be taught how to have civil conversations about difficult topics.
These conversations rarely happen on Facebook. Algorithms encourage polarization, not meaningful dialogue. My friend, Mark Wittas, a pastor/chaplain who works at Adventist Health, recently posted about this and it resonated with me. He gave me permission to reshare his social post here. He asked, “Has anyone changed their political affiliation or leanings because of a Facebook post? Me too.”
In this upcoming intense political season, why not fill Facebook with positive posts about the things that bring us joy, the promises we make to God with our fellow human beings, and the positive people who have made a difference in our lives?
Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” What is the kingdom of God? It’s right in front of you. It’s the beautiful, flawed people that Jesus has surrounded you with at work and at school. Seek their goodness. Bless them. Be blessed by them.
If you feel like sharing on social media, please let us all know about your experience.
Stop investing in posts about how right your political stance is. The Empire is do not have The kingdom never will be. Invest in the kingdom and you will not be disappointed.
As I look back at the articles I posted this past political season, I realize I can do better. I am committed to spending my time connecting with others instead of correcting them. I am committed to trusting the only leader who never fails. Trusting a president or a political party is a path to disappointment.
During this election season, we as a church are uniting people on all ends of the political/religious spectrum and pledge our allegiance to a leader who prayed for his followers to come together as one.
As I’ve been thinking about this, I’ve been meditating on Psalm 146. Read it for yourself in context, but I want to leave you with my interpretation as we head into the 2024 election season.
Psalm 146:3–9 (Kevin’s Presidential Election Paraphrase)
You can’t trust the president.
There is no salvation for mere mortals.
They make promises with their bated breath, but four years later they can’t keep them.
When they leave, their plans and projects leave with them.
Instead of asking the president for real hope,
Place your hope in God and know true blessings!
God who created the heavens and the earth,
The ocean and everything in it
One who keeps the faith forever.
who administers justice to the oppressed,
Someone who gives food to the hungry.
God sets the prisoners free.
Give sight to the blind,
He raises up the humble and the fallen.
God loves justice and those who advocate it,
The Lord watches over refugees and travelers.
He takes the side of orphans and widows.
The arc of the moral universe may be long, but it bends toward justice!
