We are missing out on an amazing opportunity.
Over the last 30 days social media feeds have been filled with people spewing venom at one another due to a disagreement of ideas. People are instantly villainized due to their affiliation with one person. News reports are showing how Americans can deal with the added stress caused by this election. There are general requests asking those who voted for the other candidate to unfriend or unfollow them. There is chaos in this noise, there is a profound hopelessness.
If someone values something different than we do, or even opposes something we value, we must acknowledge them and listen to them. The effect on Zacchaeus when Jesus did this was powerful.
In Luke 19, the story of Zacchaeus is told. He was a tax collector and was despised. He was short and climbed a tree to try and see Jesus. He wanted to make himself known to the Lord and he took action. This is what many people did during the election cycle. They wanted to make themselves known. Some wanted to be known as people who voted for potential pro-life Supreme Court Justices, some for the immigrant, others for education, health care, or economic stability. They wanted the issues they felt best represented who they are to be voiced. Now many feel afraid or threatened because their candidate lost. Others find themselves taking pleasure, not because their candidate won, but rather because the opposing candidate lost. Campaigning with #NeverTrump or #NeverHillary slogans is like going to a game and rooting for one team to lose, not one team to win.
So here we are, regardless of which candidate you voted for or where you stand politically, we as Christians have a great calling. In many ways a great number of people are Zacchaeus, climbing their trees to make their views known. As Christians, we must listen. If someone values something different than we do, or even opposes something we value, we must acknowledge that we see them, invite them down from the tree and listen to them. The effect on Zacchaeus when Jesus did this was powerful.
Yes, there is a new president, but Jesus is King. Many have lost that perspective.
Remember, they may hold a certain belief out of a fear or a hurt. We know a stronghold (Psalm 18:2) and a healer (Ex 15:26). They may be defensive of their candidate because of a situation in their life that seems hopeless or needs mercy. We know the King of Hope (Psalm 39:7) and Mercy (2 Tim 1:9). Maybe we will see that we value the same thing in slightly different ways and through dialogue we encounter Christ in the very person we thought was our opponent.
Christians, now is the time to let our light shine. To sit with those who struggle and share our God of hope. Yes, there is a new president, but Jesus is King. Many have lost that perspective. Our pledge states that we are “One Nation, Under God”. Either we are both or we are neither, but as Christians we set the example of where God is welcome in this great nation. Let us showcase God’s abundant sovereignty during this time.
[tweetthis]Showcase God’s sovereignty during this time. #election2016 #catholic #GodisKing[/tweetthis]