Embracing Unity and Hope in Election Season
Summary
In this special pre-election message, I address the weariness many of us feel during this contentious election season. Regardless of political affiliation, many are tired of the divisive rhetoric and the impact it has on our relationships. Yet, there is hope and strength in the collective power of ordinary people who go about their daily lives with integrity and care for others. We are the backbone of the nation, and our actions determine its direction. Fear is often used as a tool by politicians because it is effective, but we must not let it control us. The sky is not falling, and our nation will endure beyond any election outcome.
The way forward requires us to embrace the way of Jesus, which is not about religion but about a lifestyle that prioritizes others. Jesus' approach was revolutionary in its time, offering a stark contrast to the self-centered cultures of the day. His followers stood out because they lived in a way that was selfless and inclusive, attracting people from all walks of life. This way of living provides a relational bridge that allows us to work through our differences and find solutions to our challenges. It mandates that we honor one another, regardless of political differences, and creates an environment conducive to problem-solving.
Unity is essential for the health and prosperity of our nation. It does not mean uniformity or complete agreement, but rather a commitment to work together for the common good. Disagreement is inevitable, but division is a choice. We must choose to respect and listen to one another, avoiding the temptation to demonize those with different views. By doing so, we can maintain the moral high ground and serve as the conscience of our nation. Our common ground is the commitment to what is best for people, and that is all we need to move forward together.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Ordinary People: The strength of our nation lies in the hands of ordinary people who live with integrity and care for others. We determine the direction of our nation through our daily actions and interactions. [01:22]
2. Rejecting Fear: Fear is a tool often used by politicians, but we must not let it control us. Our nation is resilient, and we will endure beyond any election outcome. [02:11]
3. The Way of Jesus: Embracing the way of Jesus means living a life that prioritizes others and creates a relational bridge for working through differences. This approach fosters an environment for finding solutions to our challenges. [03:34]
4. Unity Over Division: Unity is essential for the health and prosperity of our nation. Disagreement is inevitable, but division is a choice. We must choose to respect and listen to one another. [08:04]
5. Commitment to the Common Good: Our common ground is the commitment to what is best for people. By standing shoulder to shoulder in this commitment, we can move forward together as a nation. [09:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Addressing Election Weariness
[00:37] - Impact on Relationships
[01:22] - The Power of Ordinary People
[01:45] - Rejecting Fear
[02:11] - A Way Forward
[02:32] - The Path of Least Resistance
[03:11] - The Way of Jesus
[03:34] - Beyond Religion
[04:17] - The Jesus Way
[05:22] - Relational Bridges
[06:12] - Unconditional Love
[06:31] - The Example of Jesus
[07:42] - Unity is the Win
[08:26] - Choices and Progress
[09:34] - Commitment to the Common Good
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:43-48 - "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
2. John 13:14-15 - "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet."
3. Romans 12:18 - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest is the reason politicians use fear, and how are we encouraged to respond to it? [01:45]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of ordinary people in determining the direction of the nation? [01:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the way of Jesus, and what makes it distinct from religious practices of the time? [03:34]
4. What example did Jesus set for his followers before his arrest, and what was the intended message behind this action? [06:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the way of Jesus, as described in the sermon, provide a relational bridge for addressing national challenges? [05:22]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity is different from uniformity, and why is this distinction important for the health of a nation? [08:04]
3. How does the act of Jesus washing his disciples' feet serve as a model for overcoming differences and fostering unity? [06:31]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of ordinary people in maintaining the moral high ground and serving as the conscience of the nation? [09:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when fear influenced your decisions or interactions. How can you apply the sermon’s message to reject fear in future situations? [01:45]
2. Identify a daily action you can take to live with integrity and care for others, as suggested in the sermon. How might this impact your community? [01:22]
3. Consider a relationship where political differences have caused tension. How can you apply the way of Jesus to build a relational bridge in this situation? [05:22]
4. Think of a recent disagreement you had. How can you choose unity over division in similar future interactions? [08:04]
5. What specific steps can you take to ensure that your actions contribute to the common good, as emphasized in the sermon? [09:34]
6. How can you practice the principle of loving your enemies in a current relationship or situation? [06:31]
7. Reflect on a person or group you have labeled negatively. How can you change your perspective and actions to align with the sermon’s call for respect and listening? [08:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Influence of Integrity
The strength of a nation is not solely determined by its leaders but by the collective actions of its ordinary citizens. When individuals live with integrity and care for others, they become the backbone of society, guiding its direction through their daily interactions. This influence is profound, as it shapes the moral and ethical landscape of the community. By choosing to act with integrity, individuals contribute to a culture of trust and respect, which is essential for the nation's well-being. [01:22]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your daily life where you can demonstrate greater integrity. How can you intentionally act with integrity in this area today?
Day 2: Overcoming the Grip of Fear
Fear is a powerful tool often wielded by those in power to manipulate and control. However, it is crucial to recognize that fear should not dictate our actions or beliefs. Our nation is resilient and will endure beyond any election outcome. By rejecting fear, we can focus on hope and resilience, trusting in the strength of our communities and the enduring spirit of our nation. This mindset allows us to approach challenges with confidence and courage, rather than being paralyzed by fear. [02:11]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one fear that has been holding you back recently? How can you confront this fear with faith and courage today?
Day 3: Living the Way of Jesus
Embracing the way of Jesus involves adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes others and fosters relational bridges. This approach is not about adhering to religious rituals but about embodying a selfless and inclusive way of living. By following Jesus' example, individuals can create environments conducive to understanding and collaboration, even amidst differences. This way of life encourages honoring one another and working together to find solutions to common challenges. [03:34]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from a more selfless approach. How can you prioritize the other person in this relationship today?
Day 4: Choosing Unity Over Division
Unity is vital for the health and prosperity of any nation. While disagreements are inevitable, division is a choice. By choosing to respect and listen to one another, individuals can maintain the moral high ground and serve as the conscience of the nation. This commitment to unity does not require uniformity but rather a shared dedication to the common good. By focusing on what unites us, we can work together to overcome challenges and build a stronger community. [08:04]
"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent disagreement you had with someone. How can you approach this person with a spirit of unity and understanding today?
Day 5: Committing to the Common Good
The common ground for any community is the commitment to what is best for its people. By standing shoulder to shoulder in this commitment, individuals can move forward together, regardless of their differences. This shared dedication to the common good fosters an environment where collaboration and progress are possible. It requires setting aside personal agendas and focusing on the well-being of others, creating a foundation for a thriving and harmonious society. [09:34]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the common good in your community today? How can you encourage others to join you in this effort?
Quotes
"Normal people, those of us who get up every day and go to work, go to school, drop our kids off at school, pay our bills, pay our taxes, interact with, and actually do business with people who don't look like us, talk exactly like us or even vote like we do. This is for all of you, Republicans, democrats, independents, who love your country, you love your party, but you like me, are weary of all the middle school playground rhetoric and antics." [00:03:39]
"This is for all of you who are sad or maybe even mad about how all of this has impacted your relationships, maybe even family relationships. And my message to all of you who fall into those categories is this. There's way more of us than there is of them. They're just louder. And our problem is actually our superpower is we don't give the world anything to talk about, report about, complain about because we're busy. We're busy minding our own business, taking care of business, taking care of our families." [00:55:68]
"The reason politicians leverage fear is because it works, but it works because we let it work. So don't let it, the sky is not falling, the end is not near. We're still going to have a country regardless of which candidate wins and which party loses. There's a way forward, there's a way through, but it will require something of us. In fact, it will require something of all of us." [01:14:33]
"I'm convinced the way of Jesus is the way forward for our nation in this cultural moment. And if you're not a religious person, hear me out. By the way of Jesus, I'm not referring to a religious movement or actually anything religious. When Jesus stepped onto the pages of history, religion was broken. In fact, in most quarters it had become irrelevant." [03:03:71]
"Because his followers embraced a way and approach to life that was so contrary to the selfish, violent winner takes all cultures of the day that they actually stood out. They led out their way. The Jesus way attracted men and women from every corner of the empire, Jewish and non-Jewish. And what exactly was it about this way of living that attracted them in spite of violent opposition and persecution?" [04:28:63]
"But the way of Jesus provides a relational bridge. A bridge, a bridge that provides the optimal environment for hammering out the best if imperfect solutions. Because the way of Jesus mandates mandates that we honor one another regardless of our differences, regardless of our political differences. Think about it. It's certainly possible, and you know this, it is certainly possible to love unconditionally and disagree politically." [05:14:59]
"That approach and posture actually creates the optimal context and environment for problem solving, whether it's personal or national. Political and ideological is not a prerequisite for honoring one another, caring for one another, and carrying one another's burdens. You already know that. You know that because you've experienced that, right? You have cared for people, met the needs of people, been generous to people whose political views were unknown to you." [05:45:76]
"The last thing Jesus did for his closest followers before he was arrested was wash their feet. And when he finished, he told them why he did it. And it wasn't because their feet were dirty. Jesus washed their feet so they wouldn't have any excuses not to wash each other's feet. There were dozens of things the men in that room disagreed about. There were things they disagreed with Jesus about, but when their rabbi, their teacher got on his knees and did the work of a slave, the message was clear." [06:34:25]
"Unity is the win. Unity is how we win. Unity is primary. By unity, I don't mean uniformity or a hundred percent agreement. We will never reach 100%. Agreement. Disagreement is unavoidable, but division is a choice. Disrespect is a choice. Fear mongering is a choice. Branding people in the other party as evil and demonic is a choice, a bad choice." [07:52:94]
"Let's be quick to listen and slow to speak. If somebody considers you their enemy, just don't return the favor. Let's not demonize those who arrive at different conclusions and embrace different solutions. Let's do what's not what we can justify. Let's do what's responsible, not simply what's permissible. Let's be kind and yet willing to call out unkindness. Let's be honest and willing to call out dishonesty, especially when it undermines someone's dignity." [08:38:39]
"We will never all see eye to eye on how to address the issues of our day, but we can stand shoulder to shoulder in our commitment to what's best for our nation and what's best for the people in our nation. We will never all agree on what's best for people, but we can agree. In fact, we must agree that what's best for people is what's best. That's our common ground, and that's all the common ground we need." [09:34:53]
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