I’m glad I don’t have to think exactly like another person to love them. The most important thing is that all believers follow the same Jesus. That’s enough to unite us. John Wesley addressed this in his sermons often. I resonate with one of his most well-known quotes:
“Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours?…If it is, give me your hand.”
Heart connections supersede agreement. I’ve come to realize that winning can feel like a drug. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with some amazing things. Yes, there have been challenges, but each obstacle has only slowed me temporarily before God helped me overcome it, often leading me to an even better place. This election has felt different, though—not about issues like the economy, social matters, or foreign relations, but about winning and losing. It saddens me that politics have come to this, especially among Christians.
As a follower of Jesus, I know God has been incredibly good to me, even through tough times. If you could see a snapshot of my life, you’d probably wonder how I’ve been so blessed. Some of the hardships I’ve faced—even from churches—have been difficult, but overall, my life has been filled with major victories, for which I give all glory to God. These successes don’t make me prideful; rather, they remind me to stay humble. That humility is what Christians should carry into something like a presidential election.
Now, this may be hard for some to hear, but it’s clear to me: politics are a game, often a form of entertainment in today’s world. The fact that we let winning and losing define us—even to the point of ending friendships—is concerning. I understand why secular-minded people might do this; the win/lose mentality is common in human nature. But for Christians to fall into this trap is disappointing. No matter how well things go for us in this life, we’re all in need of Jesus. None of us has grounds to boast, whether in personal achievements or political outcomes. We’re all sinners in need of a Savior.
Now that this election is over, I hope the church and Christian community can refocus. Let’s reach out to those with whom we disagree and walk this path together, aiming for that ultimate victory—standing before our Father in heaven.
Just my thoughts.
-Rev. James Williams