Chances are that come November 9 half of the country will be happy and half will be sad. As we’ve said in earlier blogs, our hope is not found in political affiliation but in the promise of eternal life.
Lead with a humble heart
Before George Washington was the first president of the United States, he was a general leading unlikely warriors into battle against a world superpower. Victory was unlikely.
Washington exemplified what it means to be a humble leader. He lived through extraordinary highs and discouraging lows. “The American Experiment” was risky and different than any political system before it. Using his life and character as an example, we can be encouraged. We do not have to know how the story of our country ends. We don’t even need to know how tomorrow will end. We only need to do the next right thing. Regardless of the outcome on November 8, our calling as Christ-followers is to lead with a humble heart and point men and women, boys and girls to the One who lives and reigns forever.
Press on
Consider William Wilberforce, the man who saw slavery abolished in England mere months before his death in 1833. He had been fighting toward this end for nearly five decades, one of the few in Parliament who lived out the Christian faith in all areas of his life. His spirit of perseverance is rarely demonstrated in our current culture. We could all benefit from his example of joyful tenacity.
To be a Christian today is framed as fanaticism or lunacy by the secular media and popular forms of entertainment. Sometimes it feels easier to retreat and hide at home, school, or church. Wilberforce did tell us to follow the words of John Newton who said, “It is hoped and believed the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation.” Whether your candidate wins or loses next week, our work as Christ-followers continues. We must press on and be a light in the darkness as we share the promise of eternal life with others.
Stand for Something
Eric Liddell was uncompromising. In a world where everyone is trying to find the easy way out or the fastest way to get ahead, it’s hard to imagine crossing paths with someone as steadfast as Liddell. This runner and future missionary refused to run in the 1924 Olympic event he had been training for because it was on Sunday – the Sabbath. Liddell won a gold medal for the 400-meter, the event he chose to run in lieu of his normal one.
While political leaders from both parties appear more opportunistic than principled, we as Christ-followers are called to stand for something. We stand on the Truth of God’s Word. We believe the Bible is true, that Jesus is the only hope for eternal life, and that He is returning one day.
No matter what we face personally or nationally, nothing comes as a surprise to God. He is still sovereign over all. He is good, loving, and faithful through the best and the worst of times.
Because of that, you and I take each step of this journey knowing that it’s not by chance—we believe God directs our paths. He wants to do something special in and through you.
If you still need a copy of In God We Trust, please visit Amazon.com or the TFA School Store.
This blog has been adapted from In God We Trust: Five Anchor Points in Turbulent Times by Dr. Steve Whitaker and Matt McGee. This week, Upper School house groups will be discussing this topic with their teachers and classmates.