As we approach the election, it’s clear that many of us are grappling with a shared sense of unease about what the future holds. This collective anxiety seems to transcend political divides, uniting us in a way that’s both comforting and disconcerting. No matter the election results, God calls each and every follower of Jesus to hold onto the joy of the Gospel. A thankful Christian must be a joy-filled servant ready to listen to how we can best serve people in our community. Paul’s admonition for the church in Thessalonica is equally true for the church here in the US. We are called to love, peace, encouragement, and joy. Therefore, with an eye on the call from Scripture, we must devote ourselves to bringing peace to our world.
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24.
One of the most beautiful and powerful traits of a Christ follower is their unwavering joy, a joy that transcends circumstances and brings light to the darkest of times. If the church earnestly desires to influence the world, we must do it through our dedication to seeking joy in all circumstances. Doing anything else will more likely add to the chaos instead of speaking and acting as an instrument that brings healing to the divisions within the structure of our elections. Our joy always seeks to bring good to our community, even those who are opponents. At all times, our hearts must seek peace with all and for all our community. With this mindset, we shift from adversaries to ones with whom we seek mutual benefit. Through these actions, we shift from selfishness to humility in the face of becoming a joy-filled follower. We become light to everyone, and a source where we become an oasis to those weary in our community striving to flee the darkness.
Regardless of our feelings or the darkness that may seem to envelop the world, Christians are always called to seek God in prayer. This powerful act of communion with our Creator is a source of strength and reassurance, connecting us to the divine in times of uncertainty. Our prayers must dwell richly with those that may hate us and oppose us at every turn, because we must seek that God blesses our world. For we live among our community and we strive to implore that God’s everlasting grace bless the land and the people of the land that it may lead to a complete and true transformation. The prayers we actively pursue in relationship with God needs to be mindful of the situation we are in, but also to eliminate the very concept of vengeance from our minds. As in testing times like this there is always the temptation to vanquish our opponents, but as followers of Christ we see Paul calling us to prayer, and Jesus reminds us to love our enemies, thus our prayers must include asking God to heal our hearts as well. For in our prayers, we are reminded of God’s goodness, and the greatness of the Gospel. Thus, we must have hearts that understand that in this season we are to be thankful for the ability to come to the Almighty in prayer no matter what happens in our world.
As pillars of the Christian faith, joy and prayer lead Christ’s followers to a profound understanding. Through the Almighty God, we are called to a deep sense of thankfulness for the Gospel and God’s providence available to Christians. This gratitude uplifts our spirits and helps us appreciate the blessings surrounding us, even amid trials. We have no reason to fear because the outpouring of God’s love in our lives will keep us and protect us in the midst of any trial, and thus God desires that we remain without fault in the light of the Gospel, which leads us to worship and thanksgiving. None of those on the ballot can promise us what Jesus has already done, therefore our hope must firmly be placed in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The converse is also true, no one on the ballot can remove the efficacy of Christ’s death on a cross; therefore, we head into this week without a spirit of fear, but rather with a spirit of thanksgiving for what God has done.
The Spirit of God transcends our current circumstances; thus, we cannot allow anxiety to dictate whether we will follow Christ’s and Paul’s instructions. We must strive after sanctification in all things, but that begins with us choosing joy in Christ at all times. Regardless of our feelings about this upcoming election, we are called to choose joy. Joy has the power to transform our communities from places of division into havens for peace, and that is God’s mission for the church right here and right now. Think about joy in the words you use with your neighbor, and may your actions reflect the goodness of the Gospel as it has penetrated your heart. Through all of this we look upon what God has done for us and what God is doing in our community, and we give thanks, and lead our world to give thanks, not because of the outcome of an election, but because God is active and present bringing peace to us all.
Horizon Community Church 