A Love Note to Left-Leaning Christians

A Love Note to Left-Leaning Christians

…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:14

Like many of you, I awoke on Wednesday morning to the news that Donald Trump was re-elected as President, and that Republicans will hold the majority in the Senate and likely the House, too. A Trifecta. A Trinitarian victory (or defeat) of sorts. As a person who leans left more often than not in politics, I was disappointed. I, like many of you, wondered, “How did this happen? Who is to blame? Are the majority of folks really against making progress towards a more welcoming, open-minded, accepting society?” I worry about what this portends for Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah (et al) mess, the abortion issue, undocumented immigrants, and a host of other social and humanitarian issues I care deeply about.

As a Christian, however, I remember that my role-model, Jesus of Nazareth, never possessed nor sought political power; yet he changed the world for the better. He wasted no time complaining about political majorities or the havoc they can wreak. He did not worry that his rights would be taken away or that his life’s work would be inhibited. I am reminded that the first Christians were considered enemies of the ruling class, anyway. In the 4^th century, when Emperor Constantine declared Christianity as the official state religion, the original Way of Christ was driven further underground as the religion of Christianity rose to prominence in lockstep with the powerful. Jesus neither sided with nor opposed the powerful. He went about his business of easing suffering wherever he found it regardless of one’s social status, religion, ethnicity, or country of origin. And regardless of who was in power at the time. His Way transcended the political and social divides that consume our attention and enflame our anxieties today.

Jesus continued healing people, teaching and living love for and acceptance of all, welcoming the outcasts, and serving those in need. While that type of activity has political implications, it is not reliant on which political party is in power. Rather, it depends only on faithful individuals and the personal resources and skills they choose to use to carry them out. Our true freedom and our power to change our corner of the world for the better are not and have never been dependent on the government. If we believe they are, we are looking in the wrong direction. We have eyes, but we do not see. In truth, I have never been particularly loyal to or supportive of either political party anyway. Politics is seductive, but in the end it is not determinative.

So, I have a decision to make: Will I react as a political hack or a Christian? Will I fight for a political reversal of fortunes, or will I focus my attention on the individuals in my circle of influence who are hurting? Will I whine over an election that, while consequential, has no power over the type of person I am called to be, or will I take up my cross and get to work? In short, will this election bring out the bitter pettiness that often pulls me away from what is truly important, or will I redouble my efforts to love and serve others regardless of their political leanings? Will I allow myself to love even diehard Trump supporters? Like the rest of us, they suffer too. Indeed, their suffering was a key factor in the outcome of this election. We cannot make progress toward the unity we seek by excluding anyone. What is labeled as evil today is good that has yet to mature. What we need is transformation, not condemnation or elimination.

True, political upheaval can be lethal to individuals and movements. Yes, many will suffer as a result of this election, as others would have from a different outcome. That is a call for us to be merciful, not revengeful. As followers of the Way of Jesus, our call is to pick up and care for the pieces wherever they fall. Stand with the marginalized, care for the sick, feed the hungry, house the homeless, love the unlovable. The mission never changes when our core identity is tied to the life and teachings of Jesus instead of to a political movement.

The thoughts expressed here are mine. If you wish to dialogue with me, contact me at ghildenbrand@outlook.com

The New/Old Social Pandemic:

Homelessness, Marginalization, and Immigration

By Greg Hildenbrand

The New/Old Social Pandemic is an in-depth exploration of the social issues of homelessness, marginalization, and immigration as the predictable products of outdated, underfunded, and unjust social systems maintained by the privileged of society.

Now available from Greg or any major bookseller.