I saw a cartoon that made me laugh today. The cartoon said, “I voted early this year. But with all the yard signs out I think I voted for a realtor!” There is some truth in that humorous statement. There have been some yards I’ve driven by that are covered with signs that say “Vote For” and then there’s a name. And sometimes I have seen a sign for a realtor in close proximity to all the political or election yard signs. It sure can get rather confusing at times.
All these lawn signs and all the ads on social media, TV, radio, sent through the mail, etc. are an indicator of an opportunity that is just days away. Election day. A day when we the ordinary citizens of our great country get to participate in our government by determining who gets to fill various elected positions in our local, state, and national governmental offices. Stop and think about that for a moment. We, the everyday ordinary citizens of the USA get to participate in electing people to serve us. That is truly amazing if you stop and think about it. Yes, there are many of us who simply take this privilege for granted, but the truth is, this is quite an awesome responsibility that is ours to exercise.
In all my years in ministry I have never indicated to the congregations that I served, who they should vote for. I believe that is a misuse of my role as a spiritual leader in a church and community. However, in every place I have served I have always stated two things;
1. Vote – get out and vote! There are people in some parts of the world that have no say in who their leaders are. They would love to be able to have their voice heard. We have that opportunity. Exercise it!!
2. Vote your values! Every year I get a postcard or two in the mail that tells me who I should vote for. The interesting thing is that the faces and names on the card are always of only one political persuasion or party. I guess I’ve never found one party to truly represent what I believe and what my values are. So, my message is always, vote your values. And as Christians or followers of Jesus, an extra lens that we look through is that of the Kingdom values that we are striving to live into and create in this community and world.
The other message that we as a church are carrying with us into this election season is that of “Love One Another.” That is the theme of this year’s Kindness Campaign. In the midst of the ugliness and bluster of an election year, the message is that we don’t have to participate in that sort of activity. Practicing kindness and truly seeking to “love one another,” even those people we may disagree with politically, is what will truly bring the peace, hope, and sense of togetherness that our world and country desperately needs
Maybe every lawn sign we see is an opportunity for each of us to pray for peace and hope in our nation and world. And may each of those signs be a reminder for us to Love One Another…whether you agree with who is on that sign or not. This is not only an emphasis for the Kindness Campaign, it is actually Jesus’ command to us all. Love One Another!
PS Remember, this is our Love One Another Sunday. You are invited to wear your “Love One Another” T-Shirt to worship this Sunday, November 1. It would be great to see a sea of teal Sunday morning. If you don’t have this years T-Shirt, you can also wear the shirt from 2 years ago. That the black shirt with the heart on the front that says “Do Unto Others.” And if you don't have either shirt…that’s OK. Just come join us for worship Sunday morning at 10:00am.
Pastor Keith