Nov. 10, 2024, column from the Amarillo Globe-News

Politics aside, remember the higher authority

By Mike Haynes

                In the middle of election season, I can get pretty agitated. That’s just on the inside; I avoid talking about politics except with some of my family and a friend in Florida, so most people wouldn’t know how worried I get when I hear some of the comments and plans from the party that scares me.

                I purposely wrote this column before the election so I wouldn’t know which side is crying about the

presidential contest. Whichever way it went, about half the country is terrified that now, the end of democracy is near. (I suppose the vote count still could be up in the air five days after Election Day.)

                With the United States divided down the middle, some on the right and some on the left are considering what country they should move to (legally, I hope) to avoid the perceived tribulation to come. (For Kathy and me, it’s Scotland.) For most (including us), speculating on such a drastic step is just letting off steam, but the worry behind it is real.

                That’s when I need to listen to Mark, that friend in Florida.

                Mark is as passionate for his viewpoint as anybody. He donates to candidates and places signs in yards (some of which get stolen). He has strong political and moral opinions.

                But when we talk on the phone about politics, he invariably returns to a stronger belief: “God is in control.”

                Having grown up in Kansas, Mark has deep-seated Midwestern values. The son of missionaries, he is a Christian and a doer, not only a pew-sitter, working with people who are deaf and inviting people in bad circumstances to stay at his house.

                And I don’t think he’s planning to flee the country, no matter who won the election.

                Mark refers to the apostle Paul, who wrote to Christians who lived in the capital of the most powerful empire of the first century:

                “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. (Romans 13:1, NIV)

                That instruction probably was issued in the 50s A.D. during a time when many of Jesus’ first followers had been killed for their beliefs and Christians still were being persecuted by the Roman government. But Paul, who himself would be executed by Rome, understood the big picture.

                He was familiar with the Hebrew Bible, which said, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11) Paul knew that when the Israelites were hesitant to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, God had told Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

                For about half our population, the state of our nation might look scary right now. I hope some words from Jesus will provide comfort. Explaining to his disciples that bad times were coming, he said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

                Two Sundays before the election, our Sunday school teacher told us, “Sometimes bad people are at the top. Sometimes good people at the top. But either way, God is in control.”

                Last Sunday, one of our music leaders said, “Our job is to show the light of Jesus” through the anxiety and confusion after the election. “God is in charge of the timeline,” she said.

                I don’t think the Old or New Testament writers or Jesus himself meant we should ignore what’s going on in the world or our country and sit by waiting for God’s kingdom to arrive fully. But as we participate in our communities and the nation, we should work from a godly perspective, trusting in these words that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi:

                “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

                Just before that statement, Paul wrote, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” (Philippians 4:5)

                I didn’t hear much gentleness from either side in the campaign season, and based on the past few years, I don’t expect much in the days to come. I wish those on both sides would pay attention to this advice from author and pastor Chuck Swindoll:

                “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.”  

                Many have said that despite sharp differences among various American ethnic, political, economic and cultural groups, we have more in common than the things that divide us. Tomorrow, Nov. 11, is one opportunity to stress that harmony as our military veterans – especially those who have died serving the country – are thanked and honored.

                Coming so soon after the Nov. 5 election, I hope it will be a start in the desperate need for the nation to heal.

                Kathy and I sometimes switch the TV channel from the news to “The Andy Griffith Show.” Spending time in Mayberry can calm an anxious heart and even put things in perspective. But for permanent peace, it’s better to focus on the words of Jesus as he prepared his closest followers for the trauma of his death and what followed.

                “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)

                I’m glad our Florida friend keeps reminding me.