The day I sit to write this is Election Day. At this time, I have no idea what the result of the presidential election will be. I don’t know which party will come out victorious. What I do know is that the months leading up to this day have been some of the most contentious I can remember. The vitriol has been epic, both on- and offline. Even in my quiet neighborhood, dueling yard signs and pithy bumper stickers seem to create an air of derision and competition. It is a divisive time.

People disagree. They say hurtful things to each other. They sin against each other. As Christians, our code of conduct is laid out in black and white throughout the Bible. “And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) But even Christians falter. Fortunately, we have each other and our church and our worship of God to remind us of our calling.

God is steadfast. God claims us as God’s own. Earthly divisions and conflicts are no match for the Creator. In times like election season, try to lift up your eyes to focus on the one who redeemed us all, regardless of party lines. “These transcendent themes can raise our sights beyond our disputes and disagreements. God’s transcendence can empower us to keep going when our energy fails. In worship, we can lose ourselves in the grandeur, mystery, and wonder of God.”1 When you read this, election day will be over. A president has been chosen. I pray that the country comes together in peace and we can focus on being the salt and the light.

1. When have you been at odds with someone you love on an issue? How did you resolve it?

2. In what ways can Christians foster peace in a time of division?

3. Read Matthew 5:13-14. What does it mean to you to be “the salt and the light”?

1 From Adult Bible Studies, Fall 2020, by Chuck Aaron (Cokesbury, 2020); page 113.