Be Gracious in Victory or Defeat

November 3, 2020

Leadership Notes

I am writing this on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 2020. No election results yet. Could be a couple of days. Some of us remember the hanging chads {and I'm not talking about a morbid boy band!}. As I sit here, neither Biden nor Trump is president. This moment has Schrodinger's cat written all over it.

How are you going to feel if your candidate loses? Most importantly, what is your attitude going to be if your candidate wins? Whoever wins, be careful about that you say or post online. Remember, half of your family, friends, community, or church voted for the other guy. Be gracious in victory or defeat.

My favorite Christian satire site {yes, Christians can be funny; it's in the Bible; look it up} ran this headline:

We Must Stop One Old, Incoherent, Corrupt White Man By Electing The Other Old, Incoherent, Corrupt White Man.

I hope that doesn't sound too cynical.

Here are some more elevated thoughts to carry us through what will probably be an interesting week.

You aren't welcomed before God because of intellect, skin, riches, poverty, titles, politics, background, family, notoriety, works, ritual, creed, beauty or class.

You are only welcomed through Christ.

- Dustin Benge

Regardless of the presidential election outcome:

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Inbred corruption is the worst of corruption:

Lord, deliver me from my worst enemy, that wicked man myself.

- St. Augustine

Here's a great hymn for when we get too caught up in the cares of the world:

This is my Father's world,

O let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the Ruler yet.

The election results are in {not of the November 3 variety!}:

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Christ our Savior.

- Titus 3:5-6

Reformed theologian Roger Nicole once observed:

We are all Pelagian by nature.

I tend to believe his observation when controversy is stirred up.

Finally, before the presidential election:

The purpose of the Lord will stand.

- Proverbs 19:21

After the presidential election:

The purpose of the Lord will stand.

- Proverbs 19:21

Always of Good Cheer {And with Much Love},

Richard