“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
What a great scripture to turn to on Election Day. It seems campaign years are more and more voracious: agendas and party advertisements barrage every screen available. The tensions are high, accusations abound and tempers flair all over the country, so many souls are caught up in the fight. What do we do tomorrow when our candidate doesn’t win? Or perhaps he does? How will we move forward as people of grace and peace?
Our scripture writer, Paul, wasn’t unfamiliar with popular election. Our modern system is eerily similar to the original Roman model. Roman elections started out civil; pre-selected candidates would stand at a distance as the voters surrounded their representative of choice. At first, no one made stump speeches or solicited votes. It seems one was elected on character and track record alone (imagine such an ideal!) But eventually the Roman system deteriorated into into open campaigning, soon followed by bribery, coercion and empty promises. Sound familiar? Roman citizens were the only eligible voters, though, leaving out the masses in Roman-occupied states. A corrupt and broken government didn’t even attempt to serve the needs of it’s constituents. This hits close to home today. Turns out, Solomon was right, there’s nothing new under the sun.
Paul wasn’t oblivious to all this. Though he had rights and privileges as a Roman citizen, he preferred to identify as a Kingdom citizen. Much of Colossians 3 is dedicated to a description of divine civilian life. He reminds us to set our sights on heaven, to live as though each decision here has an affect on the coming reality there. He assures us that our sinful nature is now deceased in Christ. He implores us to put to death the corruption that has ravaged flesh since the Fall. He urges us to wear the robes of righteous children: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He writes of forgiveness and bearing with one another, allowing love to be our governing precept.
Paul arrives at peace. He asks that we allow peace to rule, to have final say in our hearts, minds and bodies. And to be thankful.
I don’t claim to know what will happen when the votes are tallied. I don’t even know when we’ll know, but on January 20 a president will be inaugurated and I will meet that day with peace and gratitude. I will be a person of peace because my heavenly citizenship will outshine and outlast my American citizenship. I will cultivate wholeness in the body of Christ and I will be grateful no matter the earthly outcome.
Today I’m thankful to live in a country where democracy still makes an attempt. I’m thankful to have a vote. I’m thankful for technology that connects us despite physical distance. I’m thankful that my hope is still in the reality yet to come.
“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].” (Colossians 3:15 AMP)
Lord, we lift up today’s entanglements to You, confident we can exchange our anxiety for Your perfect peace. May peace continue to reign in our hearts today and always. May we find things to be thankful for in every circumstance. And may we set our sights on eternity as we live out our earthly days. Amen.