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- A Theology of Humor by Cheryl Taylor
- Ministering With Humor by Stephanie Nance
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A Mother's Letter to Her Son
By Dr. Cheryl Taylor
Below is a letter from Dr. Cheryl Taylor to her then 9-year old son, Joshua, before the 2008 presidential election. It demonstrates a mother's attempt to teach her son the importance of making the election the "perfect opportunity to demonstrate an authentic Christian response" to others who may not agree with his political beliefs.
Cheryl Taylor is the director of the doctor of ministry program at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. She also serves as the vice president for academics at Asia Theological Centre for Evangelism and Missions, an Assemblies of God Bible college in Singapore. She previously served in local church ministry, on the district level, and on the foreign mission field.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Dear Joshua,
It has been fun to see you get so interested in the presidential election process this fall. You have demonstrated your patriotism and fervor in a multitude of ways, from attending the Sarah Palin rally with Grandpa, to carving a McCain-Palin pumpkin, to even trick-or-treating as Joe the Plumber. I know you are hoping — and praying — that McCain will be elected. Joshua, it is human, normal, and American to want your candidate to win. But remember, on Tuesday, good Christian people will vote for both candidates.
I am writing this letter to you before the outcome of the presidential election is known, because as followers of Christ, our response to the election should not depend on the outcome. In just a couple of days, half of our country will be disappointed, some even angry. The other half will be glad, and some of those may even be smug. During this important time, we have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate an authentic Christian response.
No matter what happens on Tuesday, Joshua, my prayer is that you will remember these things:
First, remember that God is in control. He is not sitting in heaven nervously awaiting the outcome of this election. He already knows the outcome of the election, "for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1, NIV). (See also Daniel 4:32; Psalm 75:6,7).
It is human, normal, and American to want your candidate to win. But remember, on Tuesday, good Christian people will vote for both candidates.
On Tuesday night many people will wonder what God is doing, or why He hasn't answered their prayers. Remember, we can only see from a limited earthly perspective; God alone is sovereign. Consequently, we must not be bitter if our candidate loses, nor smug if our candidate wins. By faith we can accept God's sovereign choice, knowing that God is still on the throne.
Second, remember that God will direct our next president. Whether Obama or McCain is sworn in as our next president, neither will be able to accomplish, nor prevent, a single task unless God causes or allows it. All leaders, whether they acknowledge it or not, are subject to the authority of God. "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases" (Proverbs 21:1, NIV). Because we serve the sovereign God who rules over the nations, we do not have to worry over who rises to power. No matter who sits in the White House, Jesus is the only answer for our nation, and He has the power to help our nation. And one way God chooses to do this is through human leaders. Remember when Abraham Lincoln was elected president, many Americans didn't think he would be a good president, yet look how God used him to help abolish slavery.
Third, remember that we are called to submit to our governing authority. "There is no authority except that which God has established .... Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities" (Romans 13:1,5, NIV). Followers of Christ are to submit to the authorities, whoever they may be. We may or may not agree with our leaders, but obedience and submission are not subject to debate. It is our responsibility to respect the office of the president of the United States.
This doesn't mean that wickedness and injustice should be blindly tolerated, or that God approves of the ungodly actions of some leaders. Sometimes, however, in punishment for the sins of a people, or for other reasons known to Him, God allows "ungodly" rulers to have authority for a time, as we see for God's people throughout the Old Testament. Ideally, God grants authority to serve good ends, and every leader will one day be held accountable for how he or she exercised that authority. In the meantime, our role is to work through the institutions of law ordained by God to bring justice and peace to our country.
Joshua, as Christ followers we must lead the way in promoting reconciliation and nurturing healing. The height of our love for God is measured by the depth of our love for others.
Fourth, remember that we are called to pray for our governing authority. We need to pray for our leaders, and all the more if we think they are headed in an ungodly direction. This is not just a good idea, it's commanded of all Christians (1 Timothy 2:1-3). This may be difficult for some, if their candidate did not win the election. Since we cannot effectively intercede for a person we first do not love, the starting point for some Christ-followers may need to be prayer to have a genuine love for their "enemies" (see Matthew 5:43-48). Our prayers must be sincerely motivated by God's love for people.
America is not a Christian nation, but it is a nation with many Christians. And mighty things can be accomplished in America if Christians become united in prayer. God's promise is still true, just as it was for Israel: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV).
Fifth, remember that no matter who wins, this is a significant and historical time for America. If McCain wins, Sarah Palin will be the first woman to ever serve as vice president. If Obama wins, we will have the first African American ever to serve as president. Either way, America has come a long way in overcoming stereotypes and prejudice. This election demonstrates that we appreciate the value of all people, and recognize the contribution every person can make to our country. It is this kind of valuing of people that will continue to keep America a great nation.
Finally, strive to be a peacemaker in the church, and in America. More than anything else, I have grieved as I've watched this election bring division not only to our nation, but to the body of Christ. It doesn't matter who sits in the White House — if we've allowed division to tear us apart, we've all lost.
This nation can and will heal, and it will heal more quickly if Christians act like Christ. Core elements of our faith are forgiveness and healing. Joshua, as Christ followers we must lead the way in promoting reconciliation and nurturing healing. The height of our love for God is measured by the depth of our love for others.
Joshua, rest assured knowing that God is in control of our country. He alone is the answer for America. I pray that you will find creative ways to help your friends experience Christ's love and peace.
Love, Mom
