Today, we are featuring a guest blogger, Bil Mooney-McCoy, who shares the importance of holding firm convictions while still embodying Christ’s love toward those who see things differently. Bil is a member of Neighborhood Church of Dorchester and Director of Worship and Lecturer at Gordon College. Read below to hear his wise, practical timely advice in how we might choose unity over division and treat one another well in this post-election season.
Yesterday, in church, we sang a song that summarized what is known as the Apostles’ Creed. When it got to the line “I believe…in Your holy church”, I began to cry. Looking at all the rhetoric and vitriol that has been part of this election cycle, I have been distressed by how divided we’ve become as a nation.
But yesterday, my sorrow, my grief was prompted by how we Christians have handled the political landscape. We have villainized each other, questioned the validity of each others’ faith journeys. I’ve seen misinformation knowingly promoted by Christians, insults hurled at fellow believers, and in some cases heard of relationships within the body of Christ severed. I am sure that there have been times when my words and actions have contributed to this division. That’s not OK. This is not Christ’s vision for His church.
We are called to unity. But not to uniformity. We have different experiences, priorities, values, and perspectives; therefore, our opinions and beliefs on issues like abortion, gay rights, immigration, and gun ownership will vary. And it is appropriate for one to hold firm stances on these issues and to strongly disagree with those who hold contrary viewpoints. But these convictions should never lead to opportunities to tear each other down.
As I cried out to God today, I felt a prompting. I asked my God what I should do to promote unity amidst the political discord. Could I stay engaged and firm in my beliefs and convictions while working to diffuse the hostility and intolerance that is so rampant? How do I act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before my God in a time like this? Not just until the election results are finalized, but in its aftermath. And how do I channel God’s compassion and peace, while I (like so many) look to this Tuesday filled with hope for one outcome and dread for another?
The answers came quickly. Here’s what I believe God would have me commit to:
• I will cry with our Lord over the disunity and even hatred within our faith community.
• I will not speak ill of those who disagree with my political views, publicly or privately.
• I will pray for courage to engage in respectful, honest connection with those who disagree with me. I confess that I’m not there yet.
• I will recognize that no matter who wins the White House, Congress, or governors’ races, there will be many who will grieve; knowing that, I will not gloat nor condone others’ gloating.
• I will do all I can to comfort those who mourn, who are afraid, who feel ignored. I will listen to those who are angry.
• I will remind myself that being loving is more important than being right.
• I will do due diligence to confirm the veracity of any story I wish to repeat, verbally or online, refusing to spread incorrect or unconfirmable narratives, regardless of which agenda they promote.
• I will stand firm in my beliefs, taking strong positions based on my understanding of scripture and the character of Christ. But I will do so knowing that I don’t have all the answers. I will strive to discover my blind spots and accept new information and insights that may challenge my perspectives.
• I will (when appropriate) call out fellow believers whose words and actions are divisive, hurtful, and insulting even when their position aligns with my own.
• I will stand in the truth that my well-being and the well-being of those I love is not contingent on the election or defeat of a presidential candidate, the Senate and House majority, the make-up of the Supreme Court, or any earthly construct. My hope is in the loving care of my Father in Heaven.
• I will be grateful that, despite the flaws in our electoral system, I get to vote.
• I will pray for this nation and for its leaders.
I acknowledge that I do not have the character and morality to walk in these principles; I must rely on the work of the Holy Spirit within me to carry this out and will need to quickly acknowledge when I fall short.
The church’s one foundation is not a set of party platforms, a stance on societal issues, or adherence to a deeply-held political ideology. Her one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.
Father, forgive me when I forget this.
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