The Day After the Election:
Emotions and Actions After the Election
What will the day after the presidential election be like for you? For our nation?
According to the polls – if you believe the polls – there is a high probability that we won’t know who the winner is. But whenever the eventual moment comes and a winner is declared, then what?
In all probability, allegations that the election was not fair will start flying. That idea, of course, has been sown in the ground for many months. “Another rigged election!” some will rage. Perhaps litigation to contest the election. But can we trust the results of those cases in an era of mistrusting all institutions?
But above all of this noise, what will your emotional state be the day after the election is declared? Despondent if your side lost? Gloating if your side won? Or worse. Accepting civil unrest and violence as the price we must pay?
Because I am a follower of Christ, my chief concern is how Jesus calls me and other espoused Christ followers to respond and conduct ourselves. I do not want to be among the gloaters, the ragers, the violent, or the despondent. I hope to retain my spiritual and emotional equilibrium. I hope to be rooted in my steadfast calling that remains the same on November 4, 5, 6, 7… That calling is to follow the Prince of Peace to continue to work for the shalom of my neighborhood, city, nation, and world. Included in this calling is to refuse to dehumanize or demonize others, including those whose political sensibilities are radically different and even offensive to me. I will continue to pray the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray. It’s such a powerfully perfect prayer, and one we need to pray and ponder deeply today and in the coming days.
OUR FATHER (Father of us all – progressive, conservative, somewhere in between) in heaven,
hallowed be your name, Your reign come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the Kingdom, power, and glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
Beyond Election Winners and Losers:
A Call for Reflection
If you believe that if your side squeaks out a win in the U.S. election sweepstakes that all will be well, you probably need to think a little deeper. No matter who “wins” this is a time for deep soul reflection. It matters not whether you are progressive or conservative or somewhere in between. What are the lessons to be learned in this moment? What are the adjustments that must be made? Another word for this exercise is the old fashioned biblical word, “repentance,” which literally means to change the way we think and act. And there is plenty of that needed no matter what camp one tends to identify with. In fact, it’s so much harder to see where one’s own camp needs to repent. It almost requires a miracle. It always requires humility. And sometimes that comes only through great pain.
In fact, it’s so much harder to see where one’s own camp needs to repent. It almost requires a miracle. It always requires humility. And sometimes that comes only through great pain.
Reflection Exercise:
Turning from our wicked ways
A familiar verse that is often invoked by conservative Christians is 2 Chronicles 7:14 which reads:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
The phrase that is often aimed by conservatives at their theological and political foes is the phrase: “and turn from their wicked ways.” The danger of aiming this verse outward rather than inward is that produces blindspots to our own wicked ways.
For a more fulsome reflection, ask God to reveal to you particular “wicked ways” that show up across the political spectrum. Are there wicked ways that might tend to be more present in progressive camps? Conservative camps? Or even in moderate camps? What wicked ways might be most present in the camp you tend to identify with? Can you see them, name them, and turn from them?
2 replies on “The Day After the Election: Spiritual Guidance and Reflection”
Gregg, I am so thankful to you for this great reflection. Our church LifeGroups, one of which I led, just finished participating in the redeemingbabel.org course “The After Party.” Together we had the opportunity to reflect on whether our identities are based on our party identity/ideological affinity or on our position as followers of Jesus. We were challenged to consider moving from the “what” of politics (ideology/party/platform) to the “how” of politics (spiritual identify/relationships/relationship building). And yes, that involves repentance and being willing to call out lies, misinformation or cruelty even if, and especially if, it is carried out by my party, “my side.” It also means that I am not compelled to accept all the moral or policy positions of a party’s platform when I might only truly agree with a few. I am writing the November newsletter column for my organization. What you have written is so crucial to our life in community at every level. May I quote and reference your blog?
Gabriella, Thank you for your comment. And thank you for the good work you are doing in charting a more faithful way for Christ followers to engage in our civic life. Yes, of course, feel free to use anything that you might find helpful.