Jesus Is Lord

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.

In the aftermath of one of the most divisive United States presidential elections in recent memory, an election that has divided Christians, especially along racial lines, I feel compelled to call Christians to remember.

Remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12). Neither pro-Clinton nor pro-Trump supporters are the enemy. Our struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil that infect each and every one of us. Nobel Prize winner Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote, “But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being” (The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956). That line runs through every Republican and every Democrat. It runs through Christians and non-Christians. It runs through every race, gender, or class.

Therefore, let us not demonize or stereotype each other. Let us restrain ourselves from uncharitable words. Let us refuse to diminish the image of God in each other. Instead, let us love our neighbors as ourselves. Republicans and Democrats are our neighbors. Let us love each other because Christ loved us while we were still sinners, estranged from God.

Remember that our political and social visions—Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal—are not synonymous with God’s mission. God’s kingdom cannot be reduced to only erasing racism and poverty. God’s kingdom cannot be reduced to only ending abortion and protecting religious liberty. Remember that the so-called “culture war” is not identical to the spiritual war. The line dividing good and evil cuts through both sides of the culture war divide. No camp has a monopoly on good or evil.

Finally, remember that Jesus is Lord. No one else is. As Christians, our hope is never and should never be in any politician and any social policy. If it is, then we have misplaced our hope and our faith. Our hope is in the Lord. Jesus Christ, who loved “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40), who promised to be with us to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20), who offers us his resurrection hope, is Lord.

So let’s focus our hearts and minds on following Christ. Let’s make disciples of all nations. Care for the poor and vulnerable. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Trusting and looking to God’s promise of the new heaven and earth, where Jesus reigns. Jesus is Lord.

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