Winners and Losers

When Denise Anderson and I stood for Co-Moderators of our denomination’s General Assembly in 2016, we were taught to talk in terms of “prevailing” or “not prevailing.” We prevailed. We did not “win.”

Standing for Co-Moderator was about a calling from God. We felt called to “stand.” (Note: you don’t “run” for this office; you “stand.”)

When asked “When did you first feel called to serve as Co-Moderators?” we agree that we realized we were called to serve the moment we got elected. We honestly didn’t know until that moment.

On Tuesday, November 5, in the year of our LORD 2024, eligible voters in the United States of America – including all territories (e.g. Puerto Rico) – will vote for a number of national, state, and local leaders. The eyes of the entire world are watching the election of our new President. I have been trying to prepare myself as well as our Presbytery for the results, no matter who prevails.

The problem is going to be that this election will be seen as resulting in “winners” and “losers.” There will be accusations and aspersions. There will be trash-talking and name-calling.

I find myself begging God for results that will result – instead – in peaceful transitions and authentic patriotism. I pray that we will come together and work for a nation that values all people by virtue of their humanity. As a follower of Jesus, I pray that our leaders – from the President to the Commissioner of Roads will recognize that each person on this planet in every condition is created in God’s image.

Remember that in the reign of God, not only will the first be last and the last will be first. But the world’s losers will be God’s winners and “life’s winners” will actually be the losers. In the words of Rob Bell: Weak is the new strong in God’s world.

Justice will come to bullies. The Truth will set us free. There will be resurrection even after humiliating death. This I believe. This is what I deeply want to believe.

Whatever happens on November 5 and the weeks after, maybe it would help to lift up those whose candidates do not prevail. Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and to care for the least of these. This week is an exceptional opportunity to try to respond as Christ would respond.

If you haven’t done so already, please cast your vote on November 5. God help us.