I'm Glad I'm Saved, Too.

Previously posted on Facebook.

Last Sunday night our Pastor stood before our congregation and said the most powerful and moving words to summarize the end of this presidential campaign. I paraphrase, "After its all said and done we [the saints] have still got to be unified and continue to fight together the devil that is threatening our very souls.The way you vote does not determine your salvation. Neither of the candidates are saved." He didn't say these words before an audience of all black or all white. All poor or all rich. Not even all Democrats or all Republicans. He said it to the church.

The past few months have shown me sides of people that I never thought possible. (Some of whom I've loved and adopted as my own family.) I've ignored many of the comments, emails, posts, etc. I would love to erase many of the words and actions that I've experienced to keep my heart clear. But, we can't. However, I must strive to remember that we are brothers and sisters. Just like you can't take my salvation, I can't take yours. I can't judge your spiritual walk, nor you mine.

We do serve a loving God who commands that we love, respect, prefer, honour, submit, and forgive one another. Maybe our world views are highly different. Our backgrounds not the same. Maybe you don't understand my thoughts or what drives my actions. But, there is a way we can agree to disagree in the spirit of holiness. That's something we can never lose. There is a way that we can agree to disagree without condemning our brother's or sister's intellect. That's something we can never lose. I want to challenge everyone on both sides to think about our words, our actions, our status messages, and see if it's promoting the peace of God. If I have said anything to cause conflict, I apologize. Do I have the right to vote, post, and think the way I want. Yes. Does God hold me accountable? Yes. Do I want to make heaven my home? Yes. Then rest assured all of my actions will be in looking to God the author and finisher of my faith. But, if my hidden motives are to wound or cast negative judgement. If my hidden motives are to question another's walk, may I stand in fear of the wrath of God.

We cannot insinuate that the way one voted determines their salvation. We'd make ourselves God. I do not wish to go into a political argument. This note is only to express the deep hurt and shock at the words that have been said to me and others. I do not say this alone. "I pray for you. You pray for me. We're all apart of God's body." If you don't believe that, maybe it's time for some real truths to be made.

God Bless The Church of God.