It is November and that makes most Americans think of Thanksgiving (or deer hunting). Certainly, there is much to be thankful for and I hope you will thank God frequently this month. The beginning of November is also election time. While everyone gets tired of the mail, radio, and TV ads, we need to remember that the freedom to vote is a great privilege we have, and that many people around the world do not have it.
Unfortunately, election time becomes anxiety time for too many people. Post-election becomes either relief, if the “right” (their) candidates win, or distress if the “wrong” (the other) candidates win. Election time also sometimes reveals our inability to treat others with the respect every human being deserves. When our well-being or conduct is tied so closely to an election that there are physical, emotional, and relational effects in our lives, an election has gained an inappropriate place in our lives. I sure need to check myself on this!
I would define a god (small “g”) as something other than the one true living God that we first and primarily look to for help. It might be help with a fear, a physical or material need, finding meaning and purpose, relief from stress, or for something as simple as joy. Recreation, hobbies, work, children, people, material possessions, achievements, and even political parties are things that can become gods. When we give large amounts of our time, money, emotion, service, adoration, or any other resource, first to something other than the Lord, expecting to get what we want in return, it may have become our god. When I am so wound up about a candidate or party’s win or loss that it affects my inner joy, peace, or hope, it has taken God’s place in my life. It has stolen my identity, purpose, and trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
The first of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3, NASB95). The apostle Paul wrote to the church in ancient Corinth, “For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” (1 Corinthians 8:5—6).
I fear the church in America is too often throwing away the opportunity to represent God well, and be heard, because her allegiances have moved to other gods. If people see more critical spirit than Christ’s compassion in the church, why would they be interested in what she has to say? Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, and soul, and mind and strength, and the second greatest is to love one’s neighbor. Love and respect can be given, even to those who hold different beliefs and opinions. We all should show it, the church should lead the way by example.
This does not mean that it is wrong to disagree, or to speak up (in a God-honoring way) about current issues, but it does mean there is a fine line that we can easily cross. How about adding respect for those with differing beliefs to thankfulness this month!
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.
