In light of this election I have been doing my very best to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to others’ posts about their anger and distress over the result.  Like any other human being, I am usually quick to react to defend my beliefs and actions… in the past it’s gotten me in trouble.  Not to mention that in some of those cases I wasn’t acting like a representative of Christ because I let my emotions take over.

For the most part, I’ve learned from those mistakes of being too quick to react and letting my emotions control said reactions.  Of course, I still have the initial reaction when I see something that feels like (and probably is) an attack on my beliefs because I’m human, but in the past two days I’ve been able to keep my mouth shut.

Does that mean I’m going to stop sharing my thoughts or articles I agree with so that I don’t start any arguments?  No – I’m going to share something when it’s something I honestly believe in, but I will not post them to purposely get people upset and shove my beliefs down their throats.  That’s not to say I’m not going to share my faith, but I’m not going to force it on anyone.

If anyone decides that they want to respond angrily or argumentatively to what I share, they can.  I might make my case, but I won’t do so unless I’m going to be representing Christ with my words.  If I feel that I cannot respond without my emotions taking over, I’m going to just stay quiet.  That doesn’t mean I’m standing down… it means I am not going to let anyone get me riled up and respond in an un-Christlike manner.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. – James 1:19

I am proud to say that I’m a Christian, but that means I have to act like one as well.  Jesus knew when to be quiet and He knew when to speak up.  I’m going to strive to do the same.

Sure, I might lose friends and family over what I believe because they do not see it from my side, but that isn’t going to change my position.  Rather, it’s going to make my faith stronger because Jesus said that believing in Him would divide families and turn them against one another (Matthew 10:35-37).  That’s not to say I wouldn’t be upset about losing family, but I’m not going to turn on Jesus to please my family or friends or even anyone else in this world.

My stance in all this is to pray more than ever for this country, for my family and friends, and for the world.  God knows what He’s doing, and I have faith in Him… not with man.