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All That We Hope To Be
All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be we give to you, we give to you.
“We Are An Offering” (ELW 692)
I waited to write this week’s portion of the theme (above) because I knew it would come after the Presidential Election. Not knowing the outcome in advance, I thought it wise to wait and respond to the actual results (I assumed that they would be clear by the nest day).
To be honest, I was struggling with how to express my thoughts as to how we are to be a nation less divided after what was expected to be a close election. Regardless of outcome, there is a under-appreciated need to move beyond the American-style of politicking and into the being Americans – citizens and residents of one nation.
And that is where I am today. No, my preferred candidate didn’t win the election for president. I have serious misgivings and/or fears as to how another term will work out. But, if I consider myself an American, then it is right that I accept the results of the election. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with his decisions or actions (in fact, I am usually very disappointed by them). What I have to do is pray for my people, my tribe, my country – that they will hold the next president accountable just was we do the current one. There are laws and there are norms. We expect much from our leaders, and that includes assessing the outcome of their work.
Isn’t that what we should expect of ourselves? As followers of Jesus, the “church” should be
about grasping, absorbing, exercising and teaching the way of Christ and living it out. Ever since I went to my first youth convention and church camp, I envisioned what the church can and should be in the world:
- A movement of people that are merciful and gracious to others, who expect much of
themselves and of their guides, who seek harmony and equity and integrity, who fight for those who cannot defend themselves and oppose the powerful who seek in oppress the weaker ones.
- A people who loves the earth enough to do without every possible convenience or
entertainment.
- A people who finds joy being with others and who can calmly and compassionately discuss issues on which they disagree.
- A people known as much for their generosity as they are for their humility.
- A people who answers to a higher standard than power, riches, strength and fame – valuing honesty, forthrightness, justice and the betterment of others.
Seems to me that is what Jesus taught us about life – being the kingdom of God today and
tomorrow, right where we are.
I’ll close with a social media meme I came across while “working” at an election precinct
yesterday (Nov. 5 th ):
“In the end, we are not followers of the elephant or the donkey – we are followers of the Lamb.”
Shalom.
Pr. Mark
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