The presidential elections are almost upon us. It is difficult to ignore that, this time around, the elections are shrouded in a rather depressing cloud. So much negativity and ambiguity keep swirling around the issues and the candidates. The sense that one gets is that many are voting more against a candidate rather than for a candidate. And many others prefer a hands-off stance against the whole circus.
It seems the media has given so much attention to controversies on both sides. It is easy for citizens to feel like the nation is turning into something so different from the one they are familiar and comfortable with. They may claim that it’s like becoming an exile in one’s own country. They want to decry what is going on and even denounce the leaders with whom they disagree. Of course, there also are those who want change because their experiences in this society are not favorable to them or to the things they hold dear. Either way, the discontent fills the air with anxiety, and anger begins to engulf their world with darkness.
What are we to do? It is worth revisiting a popular saying, which seems to have first appeared in 1907 in a book of sermons by William Lonsdale Watkinson: “But denunciatory rhetoric is so much easier and cheaper than good works, and proves a popular temptation. Yet it is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.” It is the last statement that has become popular.
When circumstances are perceived as not being in our favor or according to our preferences, it really is so easy to resort to “denunciatory rhetoric” and “curse the darkness.” But we often stop there and do not bother “to light the candle.” The Lord through the prophet Jeremiah encouraged the people of Israel in exile: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29.7 NRSV).
For many of us, we may not have the influence to make a difference on a large scale. But we surely can shine the light of the gospel in our own little corner. For followers of Christ, it might be worthwhile to keep reminding ourselves that our Lord calls us to be light in the darkness. “Let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.16 NET). We may talk about our opinions of the candidates or the political atmosphere. But, in the end, it is our greater responsibility to bring the love of Christ to bear upon the people we encounter or with whom we interact (Ephesians 5.8-10).
—Keith Y. Jainga