Trembling

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.
– Thomas Jefferson

Divided as ever, Americans are in the edge of their seats cheering and booing as both parties get closer to finalizing their choice.

That’s business as usual for an election year, but this one carries weight we all sense though, for now, we can’t fully appreciate. Barack Obama’s second term manifested a starker, bolder vision for the country, vigorously implemented and sealed with policies and a potential Supreme Court appointment who’ll steer the U.S. in his direction long after he’s gone.

You’re either delighted or appalled at the prospect, according to your political and social leanings. But all of us can agree that this November means something not only big, but probably final. We’ve already turned a corner and are now charging, maybe irrevocably, towards some kind of brave new world, like it or not.

Count me among the nots. I’ve been against the direction we’ve taken these past few years – larger government; reduced global stature; fewer liberties – and, like millions of my fellow citizens, I’m scratching my head over my country’s choices. Disappointment in political outcomes is a fact an adult should face without pouting, which I hope not to do. But it’s more than a pout. It’s a tremble.

When you tremble that’s a pretty good time to God, and in so doing, I’m reminded of some critical points.

First, America is not the Church.
We all know that, but in practice I find myself and many of my conservative friends acting as though the country is led by a Pastor rather than a President, guided by Elders rather than Legislators.

We are in fact a nation historically influenced by Christian teachings, but a secular nation nonetheless. If a secular nation makes the wrong choices, it’s not as though the Church has appointed a heretical pastor, because a secular nation is not commissioned to preach the gospel, edify the saints, or let its light shine. That’s the work of the Church, and it’s the only work that redeems and transforms the human condition. The right President (and the right Congress and Supreme Court as well) can do immeasurable good, but the Body of Christ, functioning under His authority, does eternal good.

That truth continues whether the red or blue states got their way, so God help us to remember that we are Christians first; patriots second. Our hope and allegiance should both reflect that.

Second, I care about my country, and I’m supposed to.
Notwithstanding the differences between Church and State, America is an amazing nation that’s enjoyed God’s overt blessings while promoting ideals we take rightful pride in. Free enterprise, independence, the work ethic, tolerance, small government and enhanced individualism are concepts we cherish, and when I see them denigrated or threatened I do, and should, grieve.

So as we enter our 43rd year of legally slaughtering innocent unborn lives, and as we redefine that most basic human institution of marriage, then behave as though our sex is determined by self-concept more than anatomy, and punish the people insisting that the difference between males and females warrants separate bathroom facilities, while implementing yet more policies expanding federal reach, then yeah, I weep. Because I sincerely believe the choices we’ve been making are disastrous. I’m sorry for that, and when you’re sorry, you mourn.

Finally, God’s timing is intact.
He knew I would be an American citizen at this time, facing and responding to the current challenges. So I have to shift my thinking from just Who does God want elected in 2016? to What does God want from me in 2016 and beyond?

I won’t be judged by the direction my nation takes, but I’ll surely answer for my own direction, and my stewardship of the gifts and responsibilities He’s commissioned to me. So while reading the morning paper, a childish rant against an electorate I can’t understand won’t do much good. Instead, I’m re-thinking some of my obligations in light of this election.

I’m obliged to respect my President’s office and pray daily for whoever she or he turns out to be, asking God to guide, correct, and bless our Leader and our Leader’s family. I cannot criticize a President I don’t earnestly pray for.

I’m also obliged to disagree when conscience demands it, with clarity and without rancor. More than ever I’m aware of my responsibility to speak up, and as God grants opportunity I’ll do so. But as a grown up, without sarcasm or wrath, rejecting the idiotic vitriol we’re hearing so much of in our current debates and commentaries. My voice, like yours, is needed. But the world will do just fine without my attitude. (Which is currently lousy, full disclosure, and I’m workin’ on it.)

And I’m obliged to know and function within my role in the Body of Christ. When Paul described God’s gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, he noted they were given not for the reformation of the culture, but for the building up of the saints and the edifying of the Church. (Ephesians 4:11-16) My primary allegiance after all is to Him, and my citizenship is in heaven, evidenced largely by my communion with the saints and my commitment to His church.

Wherever else we differ, we can at least agree that we have to move on, in unity when possible, in love when unity isn’t an option, and in conviction that before God our decisions and behavior are the right ones. For me and my house, more than ever, knowing and serving Him are the main thing. God grant that, whatever these coming years bring, we all keep the main thing, the main thing.