This past Tuesday Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Since then, we’ve been bombarded by experts telling us what Trump’s election means. There are experts on both sides of the issue — some telling us this is the best thing that has ever happened to our nation, and other experts telling us this is the worst thing that has ever happened. They’re probably both right and both wrong. Reality always seems to land somewhere between our best hopes and our worst fears.
So, what did I do on Wednesday after the election? I got up and led a small group I’ve been part of for the last four years. I went into the office and worked with several pastors I coach. I wrote several blogs and worked on a new book. I went home and had dinner with my wife. We talked and then, after an hour or so of reading, we went to bed. This past Wednesday was just like all the other Wednesdays of my life.
My guess is your Wednesday was pretty much like your other Wednesdays as well. Who was elected President didn’t make a lot of difference in how I live my life. It probably didn’t make a lot of difference in your day either.
My wife still needs me. That hasn’t changed.
My sons, both are now fathers themselves, still need me to be their dad.
My grandchildren need me. Who else is going to buy them candy when their parents say “no?”
There are homeless people in my community who need to be cared for. There are hungry families in Tennessee who need to be fed. There are broken and wounded people who need a friend and as always, there are friends who need to hear the gospel. There are children who could use a tutor. There are young couples trying to figure out what their marriage should look like and young parents who are totally overwhelmed with the responsibility of being new parents. There are senior adults nearby who could use a phone call or a visit. There are people in jails and prisons who need our compassion. There are parents of special needs children who need our support.
Everything Jesus mentioned in Matthew 25 on being of eternal significance is still present in our world.
People are hungry, thirsty, sick, and broken hearted, and they need our ministry and concern. These issues are so important that Jesus tells His followers that on the day we stand before Him, these are questions He will ask us.
For Jesus, this is what mattered in His earthly ministry. He tells us this is what will matter in eternity. That means this is what matters now.
Everything else — including who was elected president? Not so much.
