Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. (Proverbs 29:11)
My grandson as a toddler insisted on putting on his own socks. This mostly resulted in him failing to navigate the five toes of a foot, and the complexities of a forefoot and a heel until he threw his socks aside in a frustrated rage. It would seem to me that we currently live in such a situation in the USA. The complexities of electing our leaders have given rise to tantrums and rage amongst many accompanied by an incomprehensible venting of anger reminiscent of my frustrated toddler grandson.
The writer of Proverbs (above) encourages us to abandon the foolishness of rage, and instead, to bring calm to our society. We share this land together as neighbors and fellow travelers in life. It seems to me that we have a clear choice: either we choose to burn this land down with the intensity of our angry rage, or we choose to be the adults in the room who bring rational calm to our debates. It goes without saying that we must be free to disagree on policy and execution of political plans. But we who follow the way of Jesus can offer a better way than anger and discord. Our faith teaches us to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15); to offer gracious words (Colossians 4:6); and to ensure that our words encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Here is a prayer that we can use for this election season: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14).
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