Election season likely has us all a bit flustered.
How do we keep our eye on the dream when there’s so much noise and sheer craziness oozing from every corner of the culture? After a coffee conversation with a wise friend (and a nice, peaceful bike ride), I listed a few ideas. Perhaps they’ll help.
Refuse to get caught up in, or to make choices based on, fear. Whenever someone tells me to be afraid, I wonder what they have to gain. Almost always, they want me to surrender some sort of power and control–physical, financial, social, psychological–in return for the promise of a sense of security.
No, thank you.
Make choices based on data and information. We live in a country that’s getting progressively safer in by far the safest time in the world history, though you wouldn’t know that from the political rhetoric. Most of the “calamities” politicians scream about take on a much different face when you actually look at the data. They’re almost sure you won’t.
We can address pressing issues effectively only when we take the time to educate ourselves and let go of irrational preconceptions.
Avoid the “herd mentality.” Mom told me “everybody’s doing it” was a bad reason to do something. She was right, whether it’s political parties, religious tribes, or other herds. We must not choose because others in the group are doing it or telling us we must do it.
Stick to my core principles. I actually heard a pretty well-known political type (who’s widely identified as a Christian) say these words: “Sometimes you have to check your Christian principles at the door so you can get the work done.”
Respectfully, I disagree. Either they’re principles or they’re not.
Love my neighbor–even when we disagree. Forgiveness. Grace. I need these especially when relationships are strained.
Remember who’s in control. I care about my country, but America isn’t the mission. We’re here to follow Jesus and be part of building a Kingdom. That won’t change on November 9.
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That’s my 2 cents. What would you add?