A Pastoral Letter For Days Such As These

 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed…” Isaiah 54:10

Dear friends in Christ,

I write this letter to you amidst the tensions present in the lead up to our national election. This is not the first, nor will it be the last voting season characterized by high emotions, polarized convictions, and deep disagreements between neighbors. However things shake out after November 5, you will have fellow siblings in Christ, fellow citizens of our country who are deeply disappointed, while others celebrate the results. Some will be fearful of the future, some may breathe a breath of relief, and some may simply sit in shock. Wherever you find yourself today, and in the days to come, I call on you to remember.

Remember, rhetoric, along with government policies and priorities will always impact your neighbors. Some for the better. Some for the worse. While politicians might promise a grand future of peace, prosperity, and abundant life for all, we remember the kingdom of God does not depend on our elections.

Remember, elected leaders are not the Messiah, Jesus is, and the political process in our country has little to do with God saving the world. 

Our hope for the future is in the promises of the Lord, not the promises of candidates.

Remember, our primary response to the gospel of Jesus Christ can be summarized from our Lord’s own words, ‘Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-40) Or as Paul reminds us, if we have all abilities, wisdom, and knowledge – but do not have love, we are nothing. (see 1 Corinthians 13) We are called to bear things like joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-24) – while recognizing our human tendencies toward deceit, slander, and pride. (see Mark 7:21-23)

Remember, you are free to vote your Christian conscience, knowing others will too and come to different conclusions. If political perspectives and ideologies get in the way of you loving your neighbor as yourself, it is time to check yourself.

Remember, like the mountains and hills that will pass away, so will this season. In time we will do it all over again, and again, and again. Amidst this, the steadfast love of God remains. Our work being church for the sake of the world will remain. Our common faith in God,   empowered by the Holy Spirit, will continue to bind us together as one in the body of Christ. I commend to you these words from Paul’s first letter to the churches in Rome, chapter 12, verse 18,

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Peace be with you,

Pastor Matt