Hello friends of Elm Park & Otego UMC’s and very happy December to you all!
I am so happy it’s December and the tensions of last month are now behind us.
I worked from home on the Wednesday after Election Day, but it ended up being one of the busiest days I’ve had in the ministry. Panic swept through many of our lives like a brushfire as we learned the results of the election. People were angry, sad, and outright distraught. Lines were once again drawn. Hatred once again spewed. People were crying, others were gloating. A friend of a friend was dropped as a client from their attorney because they didn’t vote the same way. That’s not only unethical, but also illegal. Pastors from all over our district, conference, denomination, and nation had to send reminders to people about how to behave. I asked myself why on earth do we have to remind full-grown adults how to be treating each other?
We have got to bring an end to this madness. What did Jesus say in Mark 12:17? He said, “Render unto Caeser the things that are Ceasar’s, and render unto God the things that are God’s.” I’m about to say something that will probably not be popular, but I feel it needs to be said. Render unto to Trump the things that are Trump’s and render unto God the things that are God’s. Whether we like it or not, most Americans have voted for this man to take office, and take office he will.
I, just like everyone else fell on one side. In fact, four years ago I even had a yard full of political signs urging anyone who saw them to vote the same way I did. It’s something I will never do again. That’s not to disparage anyone who does, but for me, going forward, the only person I will advertise is Jesus. Donald Trump will be the President of the United States. Jesus Christ is the Lord of Lord’s.
I understand that we live in a world which struggles terribly with tolerating each other’s differences. But what is it going to take to erase the red and blue lines that we allow to dictate our lives and start following the line that Jesus has already drawn for us? John 6:36 “I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.”
Make no mistake, I am no stranger to worrying. I grew up in a house of worry! Both of my parents worried much of their lives away. I did the same, until I came to Christ. Jesus says that worry stems from a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide and act in a good way. Matthew 6:25 reminds us: “Do not worry about your life. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to their life?”
One lesson that we Christians have not learned in the last 2,000 plus years is that Jesus had no political control over the Roman Empire and He STILL changed the entire world. We keep trying to change the world the way the Roman Empire did. Instead of the way Jesus did.
Friends, a political regime change is coming next month. I believe this is a great opportunity for all of us. It’s a chance to move forward acknowledging Jesus as number one above everything else in your life. And what better time to adopt this mindset than Christmas? The first Christmas changed the entire world. This Christmas can to. We can do that by turning to your neighbor and saying – no matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, I love you, Jesus loves you, and you are valued member of the human race.
Remember that Jesus does not give as this world gives. His peace, born on Christmas day is a gift the world cannot give.
Friends, I wish you a very Merry Christmas this year, and no matter who you voted for, I love you, Jesus loves you, and you are a valued member of the human race. Your brother in Christ ~ Pastor John
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