Tuesday Is Here at Last…but What’s Next?
As voting equipment flows into our Fellowship Hall this evening, our space coverts again to a hallowed civil purpose: the People choosing national (and local!) leadership. And as Deacon Troy said recently, if nearly all the polling data is correct, no matter the outcome half of our country is going to be dismayed and dejected. It is news to no one: this has been a contentious election full of gloomy portents and overheated language.
But this is where we are as Americans, sadly – so what is a Christian to do?
Well, glad you asked. Back in the days when our tradition was still young, English Methodists faced just such a circumstance. In Bristol, the second largest city in England, a bruising and divisive parliamentary election was coming to a head, pitting two well-financed merchants against each other – one of whom was popular among poorer folk, including many Methodists. On the eve of the election, feelings were running high when John Wesley met with Methodist society leadership to address (among other things) what he called one of the most “exciting elections Bristol has ever had.” In his journal entry on October 6, 1774, he noted:
“I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them
(1) to vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy;
(2) to speak no evil of the person they voted against; and
(3) to take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.
It seems to me his counsel would be well-taken by Methodists 250 years later: let each of us weigh the candidates with sober judgement, and vote for who we feel is most worthy of office. (In the spirit of Christ, we might also vote based not on our own narrowly perceived self-interest, but in view of the greatest needs among our neighbors.)
Having cast our vote, we can resolve to not speak evil of the other candidate, whether she or he should win or lose. (Well, we can always start now!) Policies and actions may fairly be criticized, but rancorous language does no more than stoke the same among like-minded people: all heat, and no light.
Finally, and most importantly, we can determine each day not to look with contempt or disdain on those who voted for the Other. We know, after all, that very sincere Christians are voting for each candidate, including many in our own faith family at WUMC. Do not these have unique experiences and deeply held beliefs, just as do we?
At a time when Social Media algorithms and sophisticated messaging are deliberately driving wedges between us, it is up to us to choose to see each other as neighbors and friends, rather than as nuisances and political enemies. We are going to need each other in the days to come to do the work of Christian ministry, as we feed the hungry, call out and confront injustice at home and abroad, shelter the unhoused, condemn violence, and advocate for those whose voices may otherwise go less heard than our own.
In the end, even though posturing, brutality and harsh speech may be normalized (or even rewarded) in the present moment, we know that these do not accord with God’s will for human life. The fruits of the Spirit will ultimately prevail, as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control finish the race (Galatians 5:22-23). We may grow weary of campaign seasons - and not without reason - but in pursuit of these gifts of God, let us never settle for less than that for which we have been made.
Lastly, as a faith family that cares for each and all, we want you to know that our Sanctuary is open this week to all who would like a sacred space to spend time in prayer, meditation, and reflection. On Wednesday, we will have meditative music periodically throughout the day; our pastors will be nearby if you'd like someone to pray with you.
Take Heart, People of God!
~ Pastor Dave