The Only Referendum That Counts

Spirituality Column #104
November 4, 2008
Current in Carmel (IN), Current in Westfield (IN) newspaper

The Only Referendum That Counts
By Bob Walters

The past couple of weeks, thinking in broad terms about the election, we’ve discussed Wisdom (#102) and Anger (#103).

Today is Election Day. Let’s start discussing Forgiveness.

However the election turns out, somewhere between 40 percent and 50 percent of Americans will be wondering in the days ahead, “How did God let this happen?”

Fifty to 60 percent will be lulled into thinking God sees things their way.

It’s an election bitter in many ways; divisive factions, veiled intentions, cultural grandstanding, international peril, financial duress, media bias, suspect voting, disingenuous assertions, dishonest characterizations, scurrilous lies, unknown quantities.

You know … about normal; the ever meaner streets of American politics.

My advice is, let’s all take a big, deep breath, and not any one of us make the personal and profound mistake of thinking the election results are more important than our daily, personal faith in Jesus Christ.

God gives us freedom to vote however and elect whomever we want. I can’t explain how God both knows everything eternally, and gives us temporal freedom. But He does. Don’t read too much Godly triumph or despair into the voting results.

The only earthly referendum on God’s intentions there has ever been is Christ on the Cross. If you want to learn God’s intentions, read the Gospels, not election returns.

This election is a referendum of, by, for and on the people; not on God.

The candidates promoted “change.” Well, as God’s people, we are supposed to change. But here’s a newsflash: God does not change. God is eternal and consistent. Christ is salvation. The Holy Spirit is comfort.

What I’m saying is yes, we must care for one another, but we must also remember our salvation is not in worldly things. Government is a worldly thing. Whether we are comforted or discomforted by the election results, our first priority must be to remember who we are. St. Paul said it awfully well in Colossians 3:12-14:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

That’s true in the Red states, and the Blue states.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) hopes the election is over tonight. Enough is enough. Don’t gloat; don’t despair. Pray for the nation to heal.
PS -- This is Column #104; two straight years of weekly publication. Carmel circulation is about 27,500; Westfield is around 8,000. Thanks to Current for its faithfulness to this feature.