Romans 12:2
Stop.
Take a deep breath. After all, it is almost election day, and it feels like the stakes are so high. Take a moment to give voice to your fears and hopes, offering them up to God. Trusting that God will care for you, allow God’s renewing and transforming power to be at work through you.
Listen.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, Nov 13 we will hear from Paul’s letter to the Romans. This is a hallmark epistle, a cornerstone of Christian theology, and especially powerful in Lutheran tradition. It speaks to God’s gift of life given to us in Jesus Christ and the grace we receive through him, even though we can never earn it. When we hear it this Sunday, it will be as our final Sunday in our series All Things New, talking about God’s renewal through us. Everyone will be invited to submit their Statement Of Intent, making a financial commitment to the ongoing mission of Easter.
When we do this work, we make a powerful, countercultural statement. We are not conformed to the world and its insistence that there is never enough, that we need to hustle harder, that we deserve everything we desire, that we look out for number one. Financial giving to our church instead states that all things, even money, belong to God first and that in God there is always enough – for everyone.
I can’t help but dwell on this truth on election day. It is our honor and privilege to participate in democracy, to vote our values, and to be inspired by our faith to influence the affairs of the world. However, too often, we misunderstand what this means. We think it means we deserve power, must impose our faith on others, or consider some “true Americans” while others are pushed aside. This is hardly what Paul would say “is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect”. It is difficult to discern God’s will, but we should always be cautious when we let others equate God’s will with our success or superiority.
Whether you’re voting, making your financial commitment, or doing any number of daily things that ask you to live your faith, consider: are you being conformed to the world? Or are you being transformed by our God who makes all things new?
Pray.
God, I want to do your will. I want to be transformed by your holy word. Sent your Spirit to me, grant me wisdom, make me generous, let me share your compassion, and in all things, make me an agent of your gospel. Amen.
Carry On.
Have you voted yet? If not, go do it! Being an engaged citizen is our responsibility as Christians. If you’ve already voted, thank you for putting your faith into action for the good of our neighbors.