November 4 | 1 Timothy 2:1-6
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Perspective
By Katie Borden
I once had a student tell me that a classmate was his “archenemy”. He then proceeded to list off all of the offenses this “archenemy” had committed, trying to convince me that a 9 year old villain was “the absolute worst.”
That student might grow up to be an amazing political ad consultant.
We just had an election yesterday, and I bet you’re as tired as I am of being told who your “archenemy” should be. You and I have both felt the polarization and tribalism that mark our current political atmosphere. We both saw the (red and blue) ads that punched way below the belt. We’ve heard the demonization of the “other side” in the rhetoric from candidates and voters alike.
Everyone is pointing fingers at an “enemy.” And even we, as Christians, can start to feel or behave like other people are the enemy. I confess that I’ve felt this downward pull on my heart.
When this happens, we need a perspective shift.
One of the wonderful things about the rhythm of the Church year is that we in the United States always, always celebrate the eternal joy of the saints during All Saints’ Sunday right around Election Day, and today’s text reminds me of the reality that there is an eternal perspective available to us in life with Christ, even in the midst of the very temporal (yet still important!) happenings of this world. In 1 Timothy 2:1, the community of believers is reminded to offer all kinds of prayers for all people (including their leaders), just before they are reminded in verse 4 that God “wants all people to be saved.”
When I remember that God is viewing our political leaders as people he dearly loves, something within me shifts. When I remember that God longs for our political leaders to be present with him in the new creation, my heart softens a little. These people are not my enemies. They are broken, limited humans just like me that God longs to save and heal and redeem.
And then I realize that, if God were to get his heart’s desire, my “enemy” and I will someday be arm in arm together, worshiping God around his throne after all is made new and creation is restored and redeemed.
That is an amazing thought, because he will have saved my “enemy,” and made my enemy into my brother. It’s also amazing because he has saved me, too.
Thank God for our life together in Christ that gives us a greater vision for the world he loves than that world itself can ever give us.
PRAYER
God, help me view this world and the people in it with your perspective: with eyes that see to eternity, and with a heart that longs for the redemption and salvation of all people, to your glory. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KATIE BORDEN
I’m a lifelong member of UALC and have had the privilege of serving our community in both volunteer and staff roles over the years. I love learning, OSU football, good conversations, chocolate croissants, laughter, and sharing about the good news of Jesus in whatever capacity I can.
Amen to all you've shared this morning,Katie! How we all wish we could live at peace and harmony and brotherly-love as taught by the scriptures, but humans are flawed... that's why Jesus gave His life for each of us.... by believing in Him. Do let us launch into this new political change of leadership with open hearts and minds. May God give us the wisdom to hear and follow His will for each of us. No one said that loving ALL was easy.
Thanks for changing my perspective Katie. God loves us all, so I’ll pray for my political “enemies” to be saved, instead of dethroned. Hard as it sounds s to believe, but he changed Paul, so all things are possible.
Amen and amen!
Katie,
What a perfect devotion for today. I have not yet heard who has won any of the positions , and I'm going to keep it that way for the remainder of my morning quiet time. Your words have given me a new perspective on these things, and one I need to embrace. Thank you.