The Salty Peanut Gallery

Thank God the election is over. Now we can get back to talking about real life issues again. But before we do, I’d like to share some final thoughts. Here are a few things that have been bouncing around in my brain.

Historical Significance

Regardless of your politics no one can deny the historical significance of the 2008 presidential election. I think there can be no greater illustration of this than the image of Jesse Jackson standing in Grant Park in Chicago with tears streaming down his face during President-elect Barack Obama’s victory celebration. In that instant I was reminded once again just how much of a landmark event this election was for the African-American community and just how little I know of what it truly means to be black. Some things I could never comprehend, but that doesn’t mean I’m insensitive to them. Paul encourages us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” I would pray that this election, if it does nothing else, would open doors of opportunity for people everywhere regardless of ethnicity or gender.

Respectful Disagreement

Despite the historical significance, there has to be room for respectful disagreement. A lady at my church was sharing about an incident that took place between her and a couple of African-American co-workers at the Christian day care where she works the day after the election. Keep in mind these are all Christian ladies who love the Lord. Apparently, though, for the better part of the day there was this feeling of tension that sort of permeated the air. My friend from church finally decided to address the situation, not really knowing what was wrong. “I’m so glad you said something,” they responded. It seems they had become concerned that no one in this Christian day care was saying anything about the historical significance of the election.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke of a dream he had of a nation where people would be judged for the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. It strikes me that for many that day is today, for it is exactly because of character that many chose not to vote for candidate Obama. While I would applaud the historical landmark of the election, I cannot rejoice in many of the positions that an Obama administration would take nor with many of the people with whom the president-elect chooses to associate.

Eternal Perspective

From a strictly political point of view, there’s a good reason why the Republican Party was in effect voted out of office. Republicans were originally placed in office for the conservative issues they initially claimed to support. Unfortunately, after they got into power they essentially turned into Democrats “light” spending like there was no tomorrow. Bottom line is this: If Republicans are gonna act like Democrats, then we might as well have Democrats in office.

But despite the sometimes cyclical nature of the political process there is a much more eternal perspective to this election that cannot be ignored. It was interesting in the days leading up to the election to hear believers pray in all earnest for “God’s man” to be elected. I respectfully submit that that’s exactly what happens each and every time we step into the voting booth. Romans 13:1 says “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

The other night at Bible study one dear lady was remarking about how depressed she had been since the election. I think her view reflects a concern many conservative Christians have right now that under an Obama presidency America has essentially taken the express hand basket straight to hell. To that concern I would simply say, “Let not your heart be troubled.” God is in control. Jesus is still on the throne. We may not understand his purposes or his ways, but you’d better believer that with out a doubt His will IS being done.