Every four years our country elects a man or woman who claims they will meet the needs of America. Our role, as citizens of the United States, is to cast our votes for the candidate we believe will lead our country best. After a day of voting and countless hours of tallying up those votes, we have a president-elect. The winning candidate and his or her supporters rejoice, while the losing side quietly recedes—usually, that is.
November 9th was not only one of the biggest days in American history, but also one of the most horrifying public displays of allegiance and political disbandment I have ever witnessed. I watched protest after protest attempting to degrade the democratic election our country has fought to establish and preserve. In the streets, millions of people cried and wailed as if our new leader was going to undo the great societal progress we have made over the past 240 years.
I personally did not vote. Does that mean my opinion doesn’t matter? Absolutely not. In fact, I think this puts me in a position to fairly judge both sides of the election. Having neutrality in this election really gave me a different perspective as to how the United States broadcasted their so-called value for peace.
It was this conflict of values that really incited the need for public outcry during this election season. One common goal we all have is happiness. I understand that when someone tests those waters people will feel a need to respond in an outspoken and rigorous fashion. But what we fail to realize is that this passionate outcry is not only feeding an unfixed issue, it is, ironically, expanding the dividing line that we worked so hard to shrink.
In light of all this, we as Christians need to put our hope in the Creator. We can never move forward if there isn’t one Great Redeemer who will listen to us. Instead of preaching to the masses about our new president-elect, preach to those about our Lord. Together we must strive for overall peace, and that begins with bringing everyone to the Peacemaker. If we all work together, trusting that God will get us through these hard times, we can begin to move towards the light instead of the dark, where I fear we are headed. As Christians come together, finding common ground between our two political sides, we will open up a space to learn from one other and respect each other, despite differing opinions.
While the country may be in disarray, the Church must remember to step back, gain perspective and listen to one another. If we cannot reconcile our own differences, we will find ourselves fighting battles that don’t really matter, and lose the one that truly does. This will eventually lead to, not only a societal breakdown, but a spiritual one, as well.
In the end, it is not just one side doing the dirty work—it is both. Our society has become so close-minded that if our opinions differ ever so slightly, utter chaos ensues—usually in the form of 140 characters. Across the board, Americans have been hurt by careless words during this election, and we must work together, choosing love and forgiveness, rather than bitterness and hate, if we truly wish to move forward.
We are 50 states, united. We must do everything we can to keep it that way. Our values, as Americans, are not limited to what political party we support—they go much further than that. All the little things we value make up who we are as individuals, but also collectively as the American people.
At the end of the day, we, as the Church, must find our commonality in Christ. We must remember that we are part of an eternal Kingdom that cannot and will not be corrupted. Today, we need our Lord’s sovereign guidance more than ever. By fixing our eyes on what is true and eternally valuable, we can help our country move forward. Whether you feel excited, defeated or indifferent towards our new president-elect, you can find all your answers in the One who continues to reign over every circumstance.
Let us be kind and safe, and may God continue to bless America.
By Barrett Pfeiffer, staff writer
