• Español
  • Historical Archives
  • Convention
  • Contact Us
Support the Ministry Give
Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA
  • About
    • What We Believe
      • Statements and Resolutions
      • Confession of Faith In a Mennonite Perspective
    • History
    • Find a Church
    • FAQ
      • FAQ about Mennonites
      • FAQ about MC USA
    • Executive Board Staff
    • Church Structure
      • Area Conferences
  • Ministry
    • Church Vitality
      • Women in Leadership
      • Church Planting
      • Wellbeing in Ministry
      • Ministerial Inquiry Form
    • Faith Formation
      • Children and Families
      • Faith Formation with Youth
      • Faith Formation with Adults
      • Christian Practices
      • Deep Faith Conference
    • Peacebuilding
      • Learn Pray Join
      • Israel/Palestine Initiatives
      • Undoing Racism
      • Undoing Sexism
    • The Corinthian Plan
      • Corinthian Plan Staff
      • History of the Corinthian Plan
      • Why Mutual Aid Matters
      • Corinthian Plan Subsidies
      • Wellness Incentives
  • Agencies
    • Everence
    • Mennonite Education Agency
    • Mennonite Mission Network
    • MennoMedia
    • Mennonite Health Services Alliance
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News & Media
    • News & Media
    • MenoTicias
    • Publications and Newsletters
  • Blog
Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA
  • About
    • What We Believe
      • Statements and Resolutions
      • Confession of Faith In a Mennonite Perspective
    • History
    • Find a Church
    • FAQ
      • FAQ about Mennonites
      • FAQ about MC USA
    • Executive Board Staff
    • Church Structure
      • Area Conferences
  • Ministry
    • Church Vitality
      • Women in Leadership
      • Church Planting
      • Wellbeing in Ministry
      • Ministerial Inquiry Form
    • Faith Formation
      • Children and Families
      • Faith Formation with Youth
      • Faith Formation with Adults
      • Christian Practices
      • Deep Faith Conference
    • Peacebuilding
      • Learn Pray Join
      • Israel/Palestine Initiatives
      • Undoing Racism
      • Undoing Sexism
    • The Corinthian Plan
      • Corinthian Plan Staff
      • History of the Corinthian Plan
      • Why Mutual Aid Matters
      • Corinthian Plan Subsidies
      • Wellness Incentives
  • Agencies
    • Everence
    • Mennonite Education Agency
    • Mennonite Mission Network
    • MennoMedia
    • Mennonite Health Services Alliance
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News & Media
    • News & Media
    • MenoTicias
    • Publications and Newsletters
  • Blog
Home / Menno Snapshots / Eight little words
Nov 15 2016

Eight little words

2016 8 18 Glen GGlen Guyton is chief operating officer and director of Convention Planning for Mennonite Church USA.

Over the past few days I have been reading my Facebook feed and watching the various reactions about the election. Most, but not all of my friends are in shock, saddened, confused and fearful. Some of my friends are asking for Jesus to come back. Some are sharing horrifying posts of hate crimes. Others are lamenting Gary Johnson’s loss. A few are holding out hope the Electoral College is going to go rogue and make a different choice. For me, one post stood out from the rest. It said:

“Today was the day I prayed for the nation. Only God knows the plans He has for us and I trust in His judgment and it alone. Today is a day that I will remember for as long as I live. A day where fear drove an election. A day I have to explain to those who come after me. A day where we must band together instead of tearing each other apart. Today is a day just like the rest.”

Today is a day just like the rest. Wow, there is so much wisdom in those eight little words. If I am honest, I was not too surprised with the outcome of our national election. Our nation did not become any more or any less racist, sexist or any kind of “ist” on Nov. 8. Nothing really changed on Election Day other than a few people got woke* to the deep divides in our nation. Most importantly the mission of the church did not change.

Just because a large number of white evangelicals voted overwhelmingly for one candidate, that doesn’t change the fact that as men and women of God that “Our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 6:12).

My hope is not built on Trump’s border wall or Hillary’s pantsuits. Today is a day just like the rest when I sing in my heart, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” While some proudly proclaimed “I’m with her,” we as the people of God first and foremost must proclaim that we are with Elohim. If we as Christians want to make America great, then we Christians should follow the example of Christ, casting our nets to touch the lives of men and women, rather than being distraught over the votes cast for politicians.

Today is a day just like the rest, when we have the opportunity to be the church that God has called us to be. Today is a day just like the rest when we can choose to love our neighbor. Today is a day just like the rest when we can live in fear or we can spread healing and hope to the world.

Today is a day for our church to demonstrate what love is. To show that love is a verb, that love is a conscious act that bridges the divide and reconciles the world to Christ. When the rest of the world is hopeless, confused and desperately looking for answers, that is the time the church needs to be the church — serving, loving and generously giving of itself.

I challenge us to keep above the fray and the political rhetoric. I challenge us not to gloat if our side won or to lash out if our side lost, because ultimately, in spite of political ideology, we should be on the same side — the side of the cross. This election is an opportunity for us the show the world what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ. How you might ask? Show love to those who are fearful, in need or emotionally distraught at this time. Feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless and clothe those who are naked. That is what I plan to do to celebrate the Lordship of Christ which did not change on Nov. 8.

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” (John 13:34-35).

In the midst of a storm of negative and disconcerting Facebook posts that one post stood out to me. The author was someone very near and dear to me — it was my daughter. I could not be more proud of her. Over the last 19 years, I did my best to share the gospel message of hope with her. I think she got it. I hope the rest of us get it too, because today is a day just like the rest.

_______________________

*Keenly aware

 

  • Posted in Menno Snapshots, Peace and Justice
  • Tagged election, Glen Guyton, presidential campaign, presidential elections 2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail
Official comments policy for users of Mennonite Church USA’s websites and other social networking tools. We reserve the right to remove any comment that violates this policy.
  • The purpose of comments is to engage in constructive dialogue.
  • Please provide your own full name.
  • Be respectful. If you’re offering criticism, focus on others’ ideas — not their motives, person, character or faith. Consider the log in your own eye before pressing ‘Enter.’
Comments are moderated. Comments with any content that is deemed obscene, libelous, defamatory or hateful toward an individual or group will not be approved. Comments will remain open for 10 days.
    --
Política de comentarios oficiales para los usuarios de los sitios en Internet y otras herramientas de redes sociales pertenecientes a la Iglesia Menonita de EE.UU. Nos reservamos el derecho de eliminar cualquier comentario que viola esta política.
  • El propósito de los comentarios es entablar el diálogo constructivo.
  • Por favor brinde su propio nombre completo.
  • Sea respetuoso. Si ofrece críticas, enfóquese en las ideas del otro, no en sus motivos, su persona, su carácter o su fe. Considere la viga en su propio ojo antes de apretar ‘Intro’
Los comentarios son analizados. Aquellos comentarios que contengan contenido que se considere obsceno, calumnioso, difamatorio u odioso hacia algún individuo o grupo no será aprobado. Los comentarios permanecerán abiertos por 10 días.

2 Comments

  1. Chuck Neufeld
    November 16, 2016 at 8:47 am · Reply

    My dear brother,

    Thank you for sharing these very helpful thoughts. I offer a big AMEN to what you’ve written. Rich blessings to you as you continue to offer your gifts to MC USA.

    Praying with thanksgiving!

  2. Now that Trump has won. | "The Old Fool" – Martin Lehman
    November 16, 2016 at 8:03 pm · Reply

    […] in “Eight Little Words” written by Glen Guyton in the Mennonite, found by clicking here.  A friend here in Greencroft’s assisted living is a devout woman of great faith having […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore categories

Search

3145 Benham Ave. Suite 1
Elkhart, IN 46517

718 N. Main St.
Newton, KS 67114
Phone: (866) 866-2872
  • News & Media
  • Español
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Convention
  • Resources
  • Give
  • Staff
  • Employment
©2020 Mennonite Church USA   |   Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive news and blogs compiled into one weekly email.   SUBSCRIBE