On Sunday night our Higher Ground youth spent time talking about Ephesians 4, specifically about the topic of unity. To explore this idea we played a game where groups of students had to use Magna-Tiles to build a church. The first time around each student had a “restriction” such as not touching rectangles or not being able to speak. They were not allowed to share their restrictions with the group. In addition, there was one person who had the role of trying to get their group to fail. It was incredibly frustrating when someone on the team would occasionally knock down the building. The second time around the students were allowed to share their restrictions and plan how to work together. Unfortunately for the groups, the person who was attempting to disrupt the group retained their role as well. There was one way, only known by the disruptor, that could change their behavior. Each group handled this differently. One group tried to put a barrier between the disruptor and the project. Another tried to distract the disruptor by giving them different, unrelated tasks. And another just tried to ignore the disruptor and work more quickly. However, none of them found the secret to getting the disruptor to unite with the group.

What was the secret? Inviting the disruptor to join them in the task.

This topic of unity was timely as election day was nearing. The truth is that we as believers are called to live in unity with each other. We are called to promote unity in the spaces we live and work in. Nowhere in God’s Word does it say that unity means we agree on every idea. What it does say is, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2) We see God’s image in each person. When we get to know and understand each other we discover the value they add to the Kingdom. Unity happens when we invite others into our lives and value who they are as God’s child. Unity is promoted when we recognize our own imperfection and take a posture of humility.

As Christians we are tempted to get caught up in the anxiety and stress of wanting our candidate to win. Conflict, arguing, name calling and making assumptions have somehow become normal. However God calls us to something different. We are called to be the ones who unite. We aren’t called to agree on all worldly things. We are called to bring together those who disagree.

The first step is having an eternal perspective.  Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” This world is temporary and our primary allegiance is Jesus.  I reminded the students of a few truths:

• No one can take your faith from you. No leader, no policy, no election. God’s church is still active even in countries where being a Christian could result in death. Your faith is not dependent on the outcome of this election.
• God is sovereign. He can, he has, and he will work through whatever leadership is put in place. He does not disappear or take a break depending on who is in charge. He is bigger and more powerful than any earthly authority.
• Our struggles are temporary in light of eternity.
• Christians are called to fight for justice – to walk alongside the oppressed, to feed the hungry, to give dignity to those ignored by society. And that can happen regardless of who is in leadership. Our vote is just one way to fight for justice. Our daily lives and how we interact with our neighbors and community will make far more impact and long term change.
• Anxiety keeps us from having an eternal perspective. When anxiety creeps in we must evaluate if we are placing more trust in our nation and leaders than we are in the power and salvation of Jesus.

The next step in promoting unity is to welcome others into our lives. Do you have a neighbor who disagrees with you politically? Have there been charged conversations? Go start raking his lawn and ask about his family. Do you have a friend you’ve been avoiding because you don’t want to talk about politics? Invite her to make cookies with you. Eat a meal with someone. Invite someone on a walk and learn their story.  Get to know a person at their core, and not just as their political viewpoint.

The third step to promoting unity is to stop doing those things that divide us. We need to stop making assumptions and writing people off because of their views. We must watch our words, being intentional to build others up. Take some time to listen to Pastor Jeff’s recent message on building others up. Our children are watching our behavior. Will we model for the next generation how to live with compassion, grace and kindness? Or are we teaching them that those things are conditional on if we agree with that person?

Finally, and I think most importantly, is to remember that we are Christ’s ambassadors. Let’s not miss this mission moment – one that happens only every four years. We have a unique opportunity to present to the world a picture of Jesus through how we respond. We can display peace, hope, and love. When asked if we are nervous, we can respond, “My hope is in Jesus and not in this world. I’d love to share more if you are interested.” We can acknowledge and congratulate election winners and simultaneously sympathize with those who are disappointed. We can read scripture instead of obsessively seeking election results.  We can pray for open eyes and hearts (for ourselves first) instead of pacing – or posting every thought.

Yes, voting is important. Engaging in local and national politics can be a valuable tool for Christians as we seek to bring justice and peace to our world. And yet, even with how impactful those things can be, we have a God given role that is far more valuable.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”  -2 Corinthians 5:19-20.