But for many friends and acquaintances of mine (past and present) on the left side of the political aisle, the election of Donald Trump is nothing short of devastating. See, I'm what you might call a Conservatarian (conservative libertarian); while people remotely close to my particular persuasion have felt pressed down, slapped around, and relegated to the fringes of society for a long time (and especially more so during the last 8 years), my friends on the left have felt that real progress for their good was finally taking place. Because of the left-friendly environment that the current administration has cultivated in the media, the universities, Hollywood and D.C., the unexpected result of the election last night is particularly jarring to those who fall left of center. The point of this post is not to argue against your ideals or worldview. The point of this post is to recognize and validate the very real heartbreak and devastation I know you're experiencing today. There are immigrants who, whether supported by reality or not, feel unsafe now that Trump has been elected. There are members of the LGBT+ persuasion who feel that they will once again be seen as miscreants and pariahs in society and fear persecution. There are women who feel offended by this man's existence, much less his ascendance to the highest office in the land. There are blacks, latinos, and middle easterners who perceive this man as a racist xenophobe and fear for their place in American society in the near future. Whether any of these feelings and perceptions are warranted by the facts of reality is not the point right now. The point is that a large portion of our nation is hurting, angry, anxious, overwhelmed by what the future might bring, and generally devastated. So to those of you out there who fall under this description, I want you to know I understand those emotions are very real. I have felt variations of those same emotions on more than one occasion during the last 8 years. It's very difficult having your ideals, sincere convictions, and religious persuasion tossed aside and disregarded by the "elite" as ancient and a false front for bigotry. It's disheartening when the spirit of the age is cold, unwelcoming, and even hostile to your political and/or religious ideology. This, too, shall pass.
To the Trump Supporters (including the “Hold-Your-Nose-and-Voters”): Stop. Wait. Think before you post your snide, triumphalist remarks and your politically provocative memes on social media. Remember what it has been like for the last 8 years, and instead of retribution, practice civility, honor, and grace toward your fellow human beings who are also made in the image of God. I feel the need to warn you, if you decide to smear this victory into the faces of those on the left, the backlash will be severe and worse than what you have experienced these last 8 years. If there is anything this election cycle should teach you, it is that a group of people can only tolerate being under the thumb of an opposing ideology for so long before enough is enough.
To everyone, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, I want to proclaim to you graciously but confidently that Jesus Christ reigns supreme. If you feel hurt, lost, discouraged, scared, angry by the results of this election, know this: Christ can and will satisfy your every longing and desire. He is the All-Sufficient Healer. He is the All-Providing Bridegroom. He is the All-Sustaining Bread of Life. He is the Fountain of Living Water. If you feel ecstatic, triumphant, elated, euphoric by the results of this election, I humbly urge you to repent of your idolatry, for no earthly ruler deserves that kind of affection from you. That is to be reserved for Christ and Christ alone. Donald Trump did not willingly condescend from his heavenly throne to take on humiliating human flesh in order to be your empathetic High Priest. Donald Trump did not live a sinless life for his righteousness to be imputed to your account at the appointed time. Donald Trump did not suffer the lashes of the cat o' nine tails, the beatings, mocking and derision of Roman guards, and die naked and alone on a Roman cross as the spotless Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of the heavens and earth, accomplished these things and He must receive His full reward, which is all of your praise and worship and adoration. I implore everyone on both sides of this political debate to see and savor the sweetness, glory, sufficiency, and supremacy of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
No King but Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria.
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