A friend sent me a note suggesting that we need to start praying for the “other guy.” In light of I Timothy 2:1-3 and Titus 3:1,2 I think he has a good point:
Who is the “other guy"? It’s the guy I’m not voting for on November 4. Doesn’t matter what his name is because I’m not voting for him. I’ve made up my mind and I can’t be moved away from my decision. There isn’t anything that could done or said that could change my vote. Let me say frankly that your “other guy” may be the guy I’m going to vote for. Fine. So be it. I’m not here to tell you how to vote or even to argue the matter.
But the increase in hostility, frustration, malice, name-calling, taunting, dissembling, rumor mongering, and general anger about the election can be seen and heard and felt all over the country--on both sides. If I were so inclined, I could do a rhetorical flourish and say, “And all this name-calling and hostility and the animosity must stop here and now.” That and about $5 might get you a nice cup of fancy coffee. The animosity isn’t going to stop because people are increasingly dug in about “their guy.”
So I propose something more modest and achievable. Starting today, prayer for “the other guy" and his running mate every day between now and November 4. And don’t use prayer as a weapon. Simply pray for them, for their spouses and children. Pray that God's Word will touch their hearts and that they will truly listen.
We all have a role to play. We can free ourselves from anger and frustration by praying for someone with whom we have profound differences. Since I truly believe in the power of prayer, I know it will do my own soul good.
So that’s my commitment. I’m going to pray for the “other guy” every day between now and November 4. Care to join me?
Maranatha!
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