Inauguration Thoughts

This week we experienced another inauguration, a peaceful transition of power. Trump to Biden. Republican to Democrat.

Social media was crazy with tears and sadness on one side and popping champagne bottles on the other.

Last week, I was shopping in a local gift store. A friend was shopping, too. The recent tragic, craziness at the Capitol, of course, crept into our conversation as well as the coming inauguration. I don’t remember exactly what was said first, but I said, “I have friends on both sides of the aisle.” There wasn’t much of a response. My friend kept looking at a nearby table. My other friend, the owner, kept ringing me up. I said, “I’m serious. It’s important to have friends on both sides of the aisle. We need to hear all points of view.”

Finally, they responded. anemically, yes, but they acknowledged I’d spoken at least.

During the past four years I’ve seen all kinds of people act in unflattering ways. I heard “He’s not my president.” I’m hearing the same sentiments now for a different man. That’s such a wrong statement. Oh, so you’re not an American, huh?

One of the charges four years ago was, “When they go low, we go high.” I didn’t see anyone going high back then. On either side. I don’t now either.

I have friends who think Donald Trump is the savior of the world,  and others who are just as certain he’s the devil incarnate. Friends, neither viewpoint is correct.

One thing is sure, he could stir emotions and garner sound bites like no one else in recent years.

To quote Eric Church, “My figured out has never been more confused.” I don’t understand how Christians can offer such devotion to such a man like Trump. I don’t understand how the Democratic party, the party who touts moving into the future, who had over twenty diverse candidates to choose from during the interminable time leading to the primaries, could vote on a seventy-eight-year-old white man who’s been in Washington for over fifty years.

What bothers me is Christians putting their hope in a candidate instead of Jesus. They forget God is still sovereign, and He’s the one who allows rulers to rise. All rulers. Not just the one we like and agree with.  Check out the Bible’s viewpoint about this topic. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1-2 NIV

The massive unfriending on social media also disturbs me. Not the act but the sentiment behind it. “If you think this way, you’re not my friend. Goodbye!” Seriously? You can’t stand an opposing viewpoint? Your own beliefs are so shaky that a social media post can threaten your stance?

Healthy debate fuels intelligence on both sides, people.

I’m thankful God is faithful, in control, compassionate, and slow to anger, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. Praise God!