A Just Say No Election

Among millennials, mainline churches are often known more for what they are against than what they are.  Evangelical Christians are viewed as being anti same sex marriage and against cohabitation before marriage.  While both of the might run counter to God's plan from our perspective, it is not helpful to have that reputation.  As a result, we are viewed as being intolerant and out of touch with reality. 

Now a new poll from Pew Research seems to indicate that the American electorate might be viewed in the same way.  In the upcoming election it appears that more people are voting against a candidate, than they are for one. Those polled were asked the question, “in your words, what is the main reason you support _____?”  In the case of both the Republican and Democratic candidate the top response was “He is not Clinton” (33%) and “She is not Trump” (32%). For Donald Trump supporters the other top responses were “He is an outsider/will bring change” (27%) and “His issues/policy positions (26%).   For Clinton supporters the next favored responses were “Experience/get things done (32%) and “Her issues/policy positions (22%).

In my mind, it is a sad commentary that the church is viewed in such a negative way.  Jesus calls us to be his hands and feet.  We are to offer his grace to a lost and broken world.  Jesus was passionate in his love for the lost and broken.  He orders us to do the same.  We will have an opportunity to teach, instruct and guide once we have established a relationship.

In the case of our country, I would hope as voters we would seek to examine the candidates and vote for the one who comes closest to our desires.  That is a matter of conscience.  Beyond that we need to stop thinking and speaking negatively.  Even now, we are commanded to pray for and support those who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).  Once the election is history, we are called to “pray for those in authority.”  In doing so we are to bear testimony to the hope that we have in Christ Jesus.

Generations

Our sons are big Chicago Cub fans and in their minds this is “the next year” they have longed for.  So recently when the Cubs were playing the Houston Astros, it was a given that they would be there. They invited me to tag along, and Peter’s three boys rounded out the crew.  Being on the road with my grandsons in the back of the minivan made it a memorable trip  Along the way we enjoyed a day on the beach at Galveston Island and watched three ball games, including two Cub wins. 

We also had a unique encounter on Saturday morning.  I got down to breakfast ahead of the family.  Needing my quiet time, I had planned it that way.  It worked out well because there were few people in the dining area. I found a table and looked across to see two women, I would guessed them to have been in their sixties.  They were having breakfast and engaged in conversation. 

In almost perfect timing, Peter and our youngest grandson, Jonathan, joined me just as I wrapped up my devotional time.  After they had gotten their food, we engaged in a discussion regarding the game from the previous evening and other baseball news.  I was oblivious to the fact that we were being observed.  When the women concluded their meal one of them approached our table.  “Can I take your picture?” she asked.  Peter explained that some pieces of the puzzle were missing since his other sons, Andrew and Caleb, were not there.  “That’s okay,” she responded.  “We have three generation here and I enjoy taking pictures of that.” 

While I do not go around taking pictures of stangers, I do enjoy watching cross-generational family encounters.  Even more, I enjoy participating in them.  Any time I can spend with my grandsons is special.  From their reactions, I sense it is special for them as well.  It is during such times that stories are shared and memories are made.  It is also when we have the best opportunity to pass on our values and faith heritage.

I pray you will take the opportunities as well.  Pass the torch!