A Christian post-election response guide

In these days after important midterm elections, here are 10 commitments for aligning our mindsets, attitudes and actions with the way of Jesus.

1. We recommit ourselves to living in the beautiful way of Jesus, as described in the Sermon on the Mount and through Jesus’ life, recognizing the best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.
2. Regardless of the aggression, disrespect or contempt from those who lose in this election, we will love our neighbors through nonviolent respect and civility.
3. 

   Mark Tidsworth

   We will continue the long work of justice, applying our energies to the common good, trusting that God wants good for all people as described in Matthew 25.

4. We will practice magnanimity in victory, relating to those feeling the sting of loss with grace and respect, working toward healing the divides while widening the doorway into partnering for the common good.
5. We will remember that earthly empires wax and wane, while God’s mission to restore and redeem planet earth goes on until the end of all things.
6. We will use this time of transition to invite ourselves and neighbors to a better, higher way, one political parties cannot contain nor control.
7. We will make space around God’s table in our homes, public spaces and churches for all who are lost, hurting and seeking.
8. We will celebrate the freedom of God’s church, a body that does not depend on political favor or privilege for its life energy, identity or effectiveness.
9. We will recommit ourselves to being salt and light, active in the public square at all levels, accepting our calling to ally with all that is good and just.
10. We commit ourselves to practicing forgiveness, reconciling where we can and releasing the bitterness of resentment, as taught and modeled by Jesus Christ.

 

Mark Tidsworth is founder and team leader for Pinnacle Leadership Associates. He has served as a pastor, new church developer, interim pastor, renewal pastor, therapist, nonprofit director, business owner, leadership coach, congregational consultant, leadership trainer and author. Ordained in the Baptist tradition, Mark is an ecumenical Christian minister based in Chapin, S.C.