Dear Church,
On this important election week I want to share three things with you: Anxiety. The Day. Respect.
Election results are rolling in and, if you voted for one of two candidates, 50% of you are disappointed, discouraged, upset and unsettled. 50% of you are entering a storm this week of national proportions. Politics, national policies, presidential candidates and characters, local officials, and the spirit of American governance are no small thing.
Our country should rightly be anxious, but not so with you. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6–7).
Elsewhere, Jesus describes a storm that hits two builders: the one who built his house on the sand and the one who built it on the rock. The storm is without question; it's unconditional; it's promised. But whether or not the builders experienced a crash was up to them.
You can withstand this week's storm, and beyond, by building your life on Jesus. It sounds cliche, but it's true. The God who has seen every election, every kingdom's rise and fall, every politician-turned-dictator, every emperor and king tells us He's not abandoned the world and will set up His kingdom that will last forever (Dan. 2:44).
As people of advent hope, we don't tune out of these real-world moments, nor do we become overwhelmed by them. We engage prayerfully, wisely and kindly with those around us and above us because we want to flourish and we want them to flourish.
At the same time, we see beyond the four-year horizon to the New Heavens and New Earth "where righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). We know how the story ends! "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Peter 2:12). Live your life this week with the Day in mind.
Lastly, "show proper respect to everyone." Dishonor, shaming and name-calling aren't fruits of the spirit. Nothing in the biblical text tells us it's easy to show respect to everyone, but it is part of the cost of discipleship. Respecting those who are so "obviously" worthy of disrespect is the plight of the Christian. Peter commanded us to respect everyone as he was living in the Roman Empire and would later be killed upside down on the cross. He tells us the grounds for our respect of everyone:
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 'He himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed.' For 'you were like sheep going astray,' but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:19–25).
Do not be anxious. Live with the Day in mind. Show proper respect to everyone.
Sincerely,
Abner Campos
Volunteer Park Church pastor
Seattle, Washington
