Shortly after the COVID-19 “Stay-at-Home” order went into effect this spring, the hike/bike trails behind our house on the other side of the creek became packed daily. Hundreds of people and families hit the trails – perhaps for the first time ever. Understanding how concerned, scared, and apprehensive most may have been feeling about being torn apart from the life they once knew, our family wanted to use this as an opportunity to deliver a message of hope and encouragement.
So, we ordered blank yard signs and markers. Nothing fancy, nothing professionally designed. We positioned a simple little encouraging message in our backyard between American flags stating, “APART BUT TOGETHER”.
However, much to our surprise, it actually became an encouragement to us – as hundreds of people pointed, waved, and took photos of our simplistic, little homemade signs. I realized that it must have meant a lot to many - to know that we’re all in this together. To know – that others care – even strangers across the creek.
In addition to fighting a once in a lifetime pandemic and civil unrest, throughout the year we’ve battled continual polarized opinions (to name a few) of masks/no masks. Go to work/work from home. In classroom/online classroom. Black lives/All lives. Riot/Don’t riot. Republican/Democrat.
Yep, I said it – out loud.
Nobody is exempt from the effects of this bizarre and unexpected year. We’ve been thrown into situations we didn’t ask for, experienced unbelievable hardships we never could have imagined, and the political polarization of our country – Has. Been. Exhausting. I’ve never seen so many toxic conversations over “opinions” ever.
Ever.
In fact - can I just say it? It appears – this year – 2020 – as though our “opinion” has become the only thing that really “matters.” And with the glorious benefit of social media – we can tell the world about that opinion within seconds.
While political stakes are high and every vote is important, election day will come, masks/no masks will repeatedly be determined, and school/jobs will be redefined by a new normal. It won’t be a quick fix. And all issues won’t be solved in one election year. However, when this is over – and you’re telling your grandchildren about the 2020 year you experienced “back in my day” – will you be proud of how you handled it? Will you be proud of your media comments to acquaintances, family, and – well, perhaps now “former” friends? (Will you need to apologize about any of this?)
Granted, we have a lot of concerns, but maybe our biggest concern should be the persecution of our relationships. People are destroying lifetime friendships and family relationships. Who’s the winner in these battles? I’ll tell you who.
Paul (in the New Testament) said, “If only we could remember one thing – ‘We are not fighting against human beings but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.’” Ephesians 6:12.
Being a Christian isn’t being a Republican – or being a Democrat. It’s better than either one put together. It means loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, AND loving your neighbor (yep, with that opposing political view) as yourself. It means respecting our differences and encouraging each other during these hard times - regardless. It means we are to be our best in all situations and respond in a way that truly honors God. (I didn't say "agree.")
If God was standing right beside you, would He say, “Okay, I know it wasn’t easy for you to be nice. I get that. But, well done.”
Regardless of the outcome of all these circumstances, we need to do our part and leave the rest to God. He’s got this. He’s got a plan. He already knows who’s going to be sitting in a political office and everything else that will transpire. He will – He WILL – use it as part of His plan – for good. ALL things (say it with me) work together (keep going) for the good for those Who. Love. The. Lord.
Do you? Do you love Him? Do you trust Him? And are you doing your part that is pleasing to Him? What if this division encompassing enormous polarized views within the Christian faith – is a test?!? What if each and every one of us are being tested on our love for others (as commanded) through this SPECIFIC election? Oh, my goodness.
Would you pass the test? Would God be pleased with every word we write or speak to others? May we never forget, we will be held accountable one day when we face judgement in Heaven – for what we’ve done, for what we’ve said, for what we’ve provoked, and how we’ve handled all situations.
Or have we taken on God’s job and been the judge? (And judged harshly?) Does Satan have a grip on our tongue (or keyboard)? Our point of contention should not be with each other. Let’s fight the real enemy and stop being gullible to Satan’s very cleaver tactics. Let’s stop fighting each other. We – as Americans – especially Christians – should be better than this.
Bottom line - what will be – will be. We probably can’t change the outcome of most of this, but what we can do is remain faithful to Jesus – no matter what. Our political agendas should never come at the expense of pleasing the devil. It would be a tragedy to get the right president but exhibit the wrong behavior. Whatever happens or does not happen during this upcoming election, should have no bearing on our commitment to pleasing God in our behavior toward others.
Our most important job is to pray as one body – that God’s will (not yours, not mine) will be done. He has a plan and we need to stay in faith. Either candidate will be a part of God’s plan, although not a part of every Christian’s plan. Why is that? Because we’re not God. We don’t see the whole picture, we have no idea what God will use for His good, His perfect purpose. In fact, if we get “our” way, we could ruin everything.
So instead, control what we can. Take this time to “intentionally” give hope and encouragement to others – even strangers across the creek. Who knows? Perhaps you and I – perhaps the Church – was actually CREATED for such a year as this – the year of 2020 – APART BUT TOGETHER.
