I was active in the United Methodist ministry for 30 years. During that time, I voted in every national election. Sometimes the people that I voted for won, and sometimes they lost. I still had to pastor the church.
Most people had no idea of my political preferences. Why? Because the kingdom comes first. Jesus probably did not like the Romans, but he did not come out against them. He had a higher calling. He had to teach everyone about love. Also, had he come out against the Romans, he would have lost the ability to minister to them.
The kingdom comes first. I know that you have your political feelings. Fine. But do not divide your church over your opinions. Half of the people in your congregation voted for the other guy. Do you want to ruin your relationship with 50% of your congregation? Do you want to drive away half of your people? Do you want everyone to feel that the church is off mission?
The kingdom comes first. Love one another. Republican or Democrat, love them. Welcome them, care for them all the same. We are all in this together, unless some well meaning pastors choose to draw lines that Jesus never did.
The kingdom comes first. It comes before anyone's political feelings. We are here to love. May we never forget that.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Italy in November of this year with Pastor Sherri Swanson. There is plenty of room and we would love to have you join!!!
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