November is an interesting month...

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

November is an interesting month. At its start, as Americans, we choose our leaders and toward its end we give thanks as a nation. As Christians, we celebrate Jesus as King to close the Church year, then we start a new church year looking forward to Jesus’s second coming by celebrating his birth.

As I write this, I know there is a lot of anxiety over the elections. However, following Jesus is not about defeating enemies, winning political power, or ruling over others. Following Jesus is about ministering to others – humbling ourselves to share in the life of our neighbors, just as God humbly shared in our humanity.

Following Jesus is about ministering to others – humbling ourselves to share in the life of our neighbors, just as God humbly shared in our humanity.

Therefore, the question is not whether we voted for the right candidate, but whether we voted for the right reason. Voting is a power, and Jesus tells us that we are to use our power in service to others.

Indeed, Jesus told his disciples that they are not to conduct themselves like the leaders of the nations, who lord, or exercise power, over others. He calls on his followers to be like him, and he came not to be served, but to serve. Yes, he came not to be ministered to, but to minister to others.

This is not easy. The world tells us this is naïve. The world says this will cost us our life. The world says life is a competition, and only the strong survive. The world says win first. However, before giving his life on the cross, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!”

We are called to be citizens of the Kingdom of God, and this Kingdom is not just another kingdom of this world. It’s not a nation of professing Christians. It’s not a government that’s supposed to be based on the bible. It is not an empire run by a Christian ruler or rulers. No, the Kingdom of God is the space where the powers of this world are powerless. In the Kingdom, the greatest serve others.

Yes, this world is scary, but the Kingdom of God does not depend on who holds power. This Thanksgiving, be thankful that the throne of Jesus was and is the cross. On Christ the King Sunday, remember that Jesus reigns now and this Advent, hold fast to the promise that one day, he will set all things right.  

You are loved by God just the way you are, and the Holy Spirit pours love in your heart for you to share it with others. May we all grow to face our fears with love, trusting in the good news that Jesus has overcome the world.

—Drew