An Open Letter to Republican & Democrats, And The Church

Dear Republicans and Democrats,

The votes have been tallied, the projections realized and the presidential race is over. We have a winner. When the dust and bull of the analysts and commentators on both sides clears one thing is true: We all win. Let me say it again. WE ALL WIN! Before Republicans get sarcastic, or defensive, and Democrats get smug, take time to think about that. On the first Tuesday in November, Americans (a record number since 1908) came out to peaceably cast votes for their respective candidate without coercion, force, or bribery. Some of us stood in long lines for two hours or more to exercise this freedom, while others braved rain, or cold weather. In my own precinct I saw more people under-25 leaving the polling place than I have in any previous presidential election in memory. That is positive and exciting! History also wins. Regardless of the button or lever we pushed, we made history. History was going to be made, regardless of which ticket won. Another first for our nation.

Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and come together. After 22 months of campaigning, debates, interviews, and those endless commercials America has spoken. Exit polls indicated that Republicans and Democrats were overwhelmingly concerned about the economy. But I believe we share many mutual concerns or ideals. Such as:
• Improving healthcare.
• Eliminating hunger and poverty.
• Protecting our citizens and keeping us safe.
• Lowering unemployment.
• Creating new jobs.
• Preventing the loss of existing jobs to foreign countries.
• Developing alternative energy sources.
• Improving education.
• Strengthening our infrastructure (airways, highways and rail).
• Supporting our military and caring for our veterans.
• Seriously accepting our leadership role in the world.
• Eliminating government waste and ridiculous earmarks.
• Demand character, integrity and honesty from our leaders.
• Promoting justice.
• Lowering crime.
• Respecting the elderly
• Lowering infant mortality and teenage pregnancy.
• Promoting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Yes, Republicans and Democrats have honest differences on how to accomplish and achieve these ideals. But don’t you think it’s time the world saw us united in purpose? Don’t you think the world has the right to see the freest, wealthiest, resourceful and prosperous nation on earth come together and put petty agendas aside in search of greater ideals echoed by the memories, words and actions of people like Lincoln, King, Jefferson, Truman, Eisenhower, Rosa Parks, Roosevelt, Franklin, Paine, Ross, Revere and others who were committed to something larger than themselves. There it is, something larger than you and me!

Elected officials please stop the divisiveness and personal attacks. Have the courage like Senator McCain did on the stump to stop untruths and rumors in their tracks even if it’s about people with whom we disagree ideologically. His refusal to let an urban myth go unchallenged over his opponent spoke volumes about his character. Stand up for what’s right and what’s true. As Senator McCain said in his concession speech: “Whatever our differences we are fellow Americans no association has ever meant more to me than that.” Members of the Congress, governors and state legislators, many of us still believe you were elected to represent us, not your personal views, or special interests and corporations with deep pockets. Some of us still believe you were not elected as much to do things right, as you were to do the right thing.

Christ-followers it’s time we quit assigning God’s presence and spirit to one particular party, candidate or another. It's time we prayed more for our leaders than criticizing them (1 Tim. 2:1-4; Romans 13:1-7). God’s Kingdom transcends governments and parties including America. His kingdom is global, “red and yellow, black and white”. It’s time we quit pronouncing judgment on people who hold different views, or even criticize our faith, and showed the world we are His by living out His commands to love God, one another, our neighbor and yes, even our enemies! It’s time to pray for our president and vice president elect, the Congress, the current administration and the peaceful transition of our government. Don’t you think it’s time we started doing what the government cannot do and that’s caring for the orphans, widows, children, and needy? It’s time we promoted justice for all and showed the world the unconditional love of our Savior and leader.

I close with a memory of my formative years growing up in the home of Bill and Ann. Not once. Not one single time in my memory can I recall my parents ever verbally insulting, or personally attacking a sitting President or governor, even those for whom they did not vote, or share their political views. We were taught as children to refer to the president as “President Johnson”, “President Nixon”, “President Ford”, “President Carter” and “President Reagan”. Even if they weren’t Mom and Dad’s pick at the poll, we knew better than to refer to the resident of the oval office by his first, or last name. Mom and Dad taught us to respect our leaders. I think I remember both Jesus and the Apostle Paul commending Christ-followers to do likewise in our submission and respect to those placed in civil authority over us. It’s time Christ-followers were known for love, mercy, action, obedience, faithfulness, prayer, and most of all, the Gospel, instead of trying to run the government. Trust me, we have a higher calling and responsibility to an eternal Kingdom!

Aren’t you glad those political ads and endless urban legend emails are over!

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden! Gratitude to Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Profound gratitude to our military. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love my country and I am proud to be an American, but I am more humbled and privileged to be a follower of Christ, and child of THE King!